Sweet Berries Under the Fern

The cold wind blew across the open meadow. It went whoosh, whoosh, whoosh through the tall stalks. The stems swayed back and forth in the chilly air. Outside, the gray sky looked dim and cool. But down low, near the ground, it was quiet.

Chloe sat very still under the big green fern. The wide fronds made a cozy roof over her head. She pulled her knees up to her chest. Her sparkly pink shoes rested on the damp earth. Her long pink hair fell soft against her back. Tiny freckles dotted her warm cheeks. She took a slow, deep breath. She felt very safe and snug tucked away from the gusty breeze.

Pip sat right beside her on the ground. He wore his favorite green shirt and tiny fairy shoes. In his small hands, Pip held his shiny blue pebble very tight. He held it close so the wind could not blow it away again. The stone was smooth and cool to touch. Pip looked down at it with a proud, bright grin.

Blossom sat on Chloe's other side. She tucked her fairy wings close against her back. In her lap, Blossom carried her special shiny white pearl. She did not want to drop it in the dirt. Blossom leaned forward and gently set the white pearl on a broad, flat plant stem nearby. The round pearl sat there safely, shining soft and clean in the shadows.

Up on Chloe's head, the star daisy crown began to shine. Its magic petals glowed with dancing rainbow colors. Yellow light, pink light, and soft blue light sparkled all around them. The gentle glow touched the dirt. It warmed the cool air beneath the fern. Pip smiled as the rainbow light warmed his nose. Blossom giggled and wiggled her little toes.

The chilly wind gave another big blow outside. Leaves rattled and the tall grass danced. Chloe looked down at the soft, damp moss by her shoes. She patted the spongy moss with her hand. Pat, pat, pat went her fingers. The moss felt like a soft green carpet.

"Come close," Chloe whispered in a sweet voice. "Sit near me."

Pip scooted over on his bottom. Blossom fluttered her wings and hopped closer too. Their shoulders touched. Being so close together kept the cold breeze far away.

In front of Chloe sat her little wicker basket. It was woven from thin brown twigs and had a tiny lid. Chloe placed both hands on the lid and lifted it up. Inside lay three plump, soft red berries. They looked bright and juicy. They smelled sweet like warm morning sunshine.

Chloe reached into the basket. She picked up the first soft berry and gave it to Pip. Pip took the sweet fruit with both hands. His eyes opened wide with excitement. Chloe picked up the second berry and handed it to Blossom. Blossom clapped her hands together before taking her treat. Then Chloe took the very last red berry for herself.

The three friends sat side by side in the cozy nook. They took small, neat bites of their sweet fruit. The juice was warm and sugary on their tongues. Pip chewed happily. Blossom chewed happily. Chloe chewed happily. Their tummies felt full and warm, and the cold wind outside did not feel scary at all.