The Koala's Butterfly Friend

The Koala's Butterfly Friend Jane MEADOW

High in a tall gum tree, where the leaves whispered in the wind, lived a small koala named Kiki. Kiki had soft grey fur and a creamy white chest, with big fluffy ears and shiny black eyes. Every morning, Kiki would wake up slowly, stretch her little paws, and smile a sleepy smile. She loved her quiet tree and the gentle breeze that rocked her to sleep at night. 1

One sunny spring morning, Kiki heard a soft flutter near her ear. A bright butterfly with orange wings and black edges danced in the air. White spots sparkled on her wings like tiny stars. "Hello!" said the butterfly. "My name is Bella. I'm flying far and wide to find the sweetest flowers." Kiki's eyes grew wide with wonder. "Welcome to my tree!" she said. "The flowers here are very sweet." 2

Bella fluttered down and landed on Kiki's nose. Kiki giggled, and they became friends right away. Together they explored the forest, visiting bright blossoms and sipping dew. Bella told Kiki stories of faraway places, and Kiki showed Bella the best hiding spots. "I'm so glad you're here," said Kiki. Bella's wings shimmered in the sun. "Me too," she said. "Spring is the best time for friends." 3

All through the warm days, Kiki and Bella played among the flowers. Kiki would hold her tiny green watering can and sprinkle drops on the thirsty plants. Bella would flit from bloom to bloom, showing Kiki the prettiest ones. "Look at this pink flower!" Bella would call. "It's as pink as your nose!" Kiki laughed. "And that orange one is as bright as your wings!" They spent every sunny moment together, happy and free. 4

One day, Bella grew quiet. "Kiki," she said softly, "the wind is turning cold. Soon I must fly far away to stay warm. Butterflies can't live in the chilly months." Kiki's ears drooped. "But I'll miss you," she said. "I'll miss you too," said Bella. "But I promise I'll come back when spring returns. Will you wait for me?" Kiki nodded. "I'll wait," she said. "I'll be right here." 5

When autumn came, the leaves turned gold and red. Bella gave Kiki a gentle hug with her wings. "Goodbye, dear friend," she said. "Remember, I'll be back." Kiki watched as Bella flew up into the sky, higher and higher, until she was just a tiny orange dot. Kiki felt a lump in her throat. "Goodbye, Bella," she whispered. "I'll keep my promise." The wind blew, and the tree felt very quiet. 6

As the days grew shorter, Kiki felt sad and lonely. She missed Bella's cheerful fluttering and her happy stories. But then Kiki remembered her promise. "I can't fly," she thought, "but I can do something special. I'll plant flowers for Bella's return!" So Kiki found a little patch of earth near her tree. She dug with her paws and planted seeds, one by one, humming a soft tune. 7

All winter long, Kiki cared for her garden. She visited the patch every day, even when the frost was cold on her nose. She carried water from the creek in her tiny green watering can. "Grow, little seeds," she whispered. "Bella will love you." The days were long and quiet, but Kiki's hope kept her warm. She pictured Bella's bright wings and smiled. 8

Sometimes the nights were very cold, and Kiki would curl up in her tree with a blanket of leaves. She would look at the stars and think of Bella, far away in a warm place. "I wonder if she's thinking of me," Kiki said to the moon. The moon just shone softly. But Kiki felt a warm feeling in her heart, as if Bella were close by. 9

One morning, Kiki woke to a familiar warmth. The air smelled sweet, and the sun felt gentle. She hurried to her garden. Tiny green shoots were pushing through the soil! Kiki's heart leaped with joy. "Spring is coming!" she sang. She watered the shoots and waited, her eyes on the sky. Every flutter of a leaf made her look up, hoping to see orange wings. 10

Then, on a bright spring day, Kiki heard a soft flutter. She looked up and saw a tiny orange dot growing bigger and bigger. "Bella!" Kiki shouted. The butterfly flew down and landed right on Kiki's nose. "You waited!" said Bella. "And you came back!" said Kiki. They hugged as best they could, with wings and paws. "I told you I would," said Bella. "True friends always find their way back." 11

Bella looked around and gasped. "Kiki, what is this?" The little patch was now a beautiful garden, full of colorful flowers. Red, yellow, pink, and blue blooms swayed in the breeze. "I planted them for you," said Kiki. "All winter long, so you'd have sweet flowers when you returned." Bella's eyes sparkled. "This is the most wonderful garden I've ever seen!" she said. "Thank you, Kiki." 12

Bella flew from flower to flower, tasting the sweet nectar. "These are the best flowers in the whole forest!" she declared. Kiki smiled her gentle smile. "I'm so glad you like them," she said. "I missed you every day." Bella landed on Kiki's paw. "I missed you too," she said. "But now we're together again, and the flowers are blooming.