Story text
A lost little sparrow, with the help of a wild goose, learns to trust and stay calm, ultimately finding his way home in a heartwarming story.
Page 1
The setting sun dyed the clouds golden-red. Little Sparrow Chirpy fluttered his wings in an unfamiliar forest. He had been so engrossed in chasing a colorful butterfly earlier that he was now completely lost. The familiar oak tree and stream were nowhere to be seen; all around were layers upon layers of strange, shadowy trees. A cold wind blew, making Chirpy shiver, and a wave of immense panic surged in his heart. He tried flying a short distance in various directions, but every path looked so similar. Night was slowly falling, and the last glimmer of light on the horizon was about to be swallowed up.
Page 2
"Mom! Mom, where are you?" Chirpy's tearful call sounded especially faint in the silent woods. Only the rustling of leaves answered him. His wings were sore and tired from his earlier frantic flying, and his stomach growled with hunger. The more he thought, the more scared he became, and tears began to well up in his eyes. He remembered what his mother often said: "Don't panic when something happens," but putting it into practice was so hard. Just as he was almost overwhelmed by fear, a clear, long cry came from the high, distant sky. He looked up and saw a graceful flock of wild geese flying calmly overhead.
Page 3
Perhaps it was a spark of courage born from despair. Chirpy mustered all his strength and lunged into the sky, flying desperately toward the flock of geese, crying out shrilly as he flew, "Please wait! Help me!" A goose at the rear of the flock heard this faint cry for help. It slowed down, broke away from the formation, circled, descended, and landed steadily on a branch near Chirpy. It was an adult goose with calm and gentle eyes. "Little one, what's wrong? Where is your family?" Its voice was deep and reassuring.
Page 4
Chirpy sobbed and told the story in fits and starts. The goose listened patiently, nodding from time to time. "My name is Longwing, one of the guides for the flock," it introduced itself. "Don't be afraid. The forest at night is indeed easy to get lost in, but we can help you. Do you know the general direction of your home?" Chirpy tried hard to remember, only recalling a sparkling little stream and a very tall old oak tree near his home. Longwing thought for a moment. "I know that stream. It originates from the northern hills and runs through the entire forest. We can follow it to search."
Page 5
Longwing told Chirpy to stay close, and they took off together. Longwing's flight was steady and powerful, and it deliberately slowed its pace to accommodate Chirpy. Flying high up, Chirpy saw the forest from such a vast perspective for the first time. The winding stream looked like a silver ribbon under the moonlight. "Look," Longwing pointed with its wing, "remember prominent landmarks, like that rock shaped like a lion and that hollow full of little white flowers. The key to finding your way is observation and memory." Chirpy memorized them seriously, and the panic in his heart gradually gave way to wonder.
