Lumi and the Listening Trail

Lumi the tortoise liked being the one who remembered things. In the Enchanted Forest, she remembered which roots were bumpy, which stones were smooth, and where the sun made warm spots on the path.

Today a music circle was starting near the Moonpool. Friends would tap acorns like drums and hum with the wind. Lumi had promised to lead the way, and she carried leaf napkins and berry water.

At the first fork, the trail marker leaf was missing. Two paths looked almost the same. Lumi felt a hot pinch of worry. She did not want anyone to see her hesitate.

"This way," Lumi said, trying to sound sure.

They walked until the trees grew closer and the light turned patchy. A shallow puddle spread across the trail like a shiny blanket.

A little squirrel hopped back. "Is the Moonpool close?"

Lumi stared at the puddle. The moss on the stones looked wrong. Then she heard it, a soft frog croak, far away, coming from behind them and a bit to the right. Lumi knew that sound. It belonged near the Moonpool.

Lumi swallowed. Her shell felt heavy. "I need to tell you something."

Everyone paused.

"I guessed at the fork," Lumi said. "I was worried you would think I forgot."

The squirrel blinked, then smiled. "Thank you for telling us."

They turned around together. Back at the fork, they all got quiet. Lumi closed her eyes and listened. The frog croak came again, clearer from the right path.

"Let us follow the sound," Lumi said.

They followed it and soon the trees opened. Sunlight glittered on the Moonpool like tiny coins. The music circle had started, but there was still space. Lumi set down the berry water and joined the gentle tapping.

Honesty had not made Lumi smaller. It had helped everyone find the right way.