Ben Learns About Bedtime - Chapter 4: The Smiling Friend

The morning sun sparkled through the trees as Little Fox Ben walked happily through the forest. He had helped Mama with the quiet morning chores, just like he learned yesterday. Now he was ready to play!

Ben hopped over a fallen log and hummed a cheerful tune. His bushy tail swished back and forth as he looked for someone to play with. That's when he saw something move behind a big oak tree.

"Hello?" Ben called out. "Do you want to play?"

A small, striped tail disappeared behind the tree. Ben walked closer and saw the tip of two pointy ears peeking out.

"I won't hurt you," Ben said. "I'm Ben!"

Slowly, a tiny cat stepped out from behind the tree. He had soft gray fur with white stripes and the biggest green eyes Ben had ever seen. But the little cat looked scared. His ears were flat against his head, and he didn't say anything.

Ben remembered when he used to feel shy too, especially when meeting new animals. He thought about how Mama always said that a friendly smile can help others feel safe and happy.

Ben gave the biggest, warmest smile he could make. His eyes crinkled up with kindness, and his tail wagged gently.

"Hi there," Ben said softly, still smiling. "What's your name?"

The little cat's ears perked up just a tiny bit. "M-Milo," he whispered.

"That's a wonderful name!" Ben said, his smile growing even bigger. "Would you like to be my friend, Milo?"

Milo looked at Ben's friendly face. The smile made him feel warm inside, like sunshine on a cool morning. Slowly, Milo smiled back – just a small smile at first.

"Okay," Milo said quietly. "I'd like that."

Ben's heart felt so happy! "Do you like to play hide-and-seek?" he asked.

Milo nodded, and his smile got a little bigger. "Yes! But I've never had anyone to play with before. My family just moved to this part of the forest."

"Well, now you have me!" Ben said cheerfully. "And you know what? Being friendly and smiling helps make friends. That's what I'm learning!"

The two new friends started to play. Milo was very good at hiding because he was so quiet and small. Ben was good at seeking because his nose could smell where Milo was hiding. They laughed and played until their tummies rumbled.

"I'm hungry," Milo said, not feeling shy anymore.

"Me too!" Ben agreed. "Hey, do you want to come meet my Mama? She makes the best berry pancakes, and I bet she'd love to meet my new friend!"

Milo's eyes grew wide with excitement. "Really? You want me to meet your Mama?"

"Of course!" Ben said with his biggest smile yet. "That's what friends do!"

As they walked toward Ben's den, Milo said, "Ben, thank you for smiling at me. I was so scared and lonely. Your smile made me feel brave."

Ben felt proud and happy. "Mama says a smile is like a gift we can give to everyone. And the best part is, when you smile at someone, they usually smile back!"

Milo smiled at Ben, and Ben smiled at Milo, and they both giggled as they walked through the forest together.

From that day on, Ben and Milo were the best of friends. And Ben always remembered that a friendly smile was one of the most important things he could share with others.