Friends

Bertha the big butterfly lives on the west side of the meadow, underneath a big purple mushroom.  Every morning, she sleeps late.  Every afternoon, she flutters slowly from flower to flower, until she has eaten just enough nectar to feel almost full.  Every evening, Bertha spends time with her best friend, Pauline the big toad.

One day, it was a Tuesday, Bertha awoke to the sound of rain falling on her mushroom roof.  

"Oh well," she said to herself.  "Guess I'll stay home today."  She snuggled back down under the covers and picked up a book and began to read.

Meanwhile, Pauline was busy catching flies for herself and for her large family.  She had eight little tadpoles to feed.  Today was a great day for catching flies.  

"I bet that Bertha is snug in bed at home, reading a book," Pauline smiled at the thought.  She wanted her best friend to be very happy.  Pauline was happy in the rain, catching flies.  Both friends were happy, apart.

Pauline brought plenty of flies home to her babies.  They noshed appreciatively.  Then they spent the afternoon playing games in the rain.  At sunset, the rain had stopped and a beautiful rainbow filled the air.  

"Wow!" said the tadpoles.  

"Wow!" said Pauline.

Then, like a double rainbow, beautiful multicolored wings filled the sky.  Bertha!  Pauline was so happy to see her friend.  Bertha flew down to Pauline and the babies. 

"Hello, Pauline.  Hello, babies," she said warmly.  "How was your rainy day?"

The babies scrambled over each other to be the first to tell Bertha about their adventures.  Bertha just smiled and listened to the chaos.  Pauline was happy, too.

Together, they all watched the blazing golden sunset, content just to be together.

The End