The Trust Tree

    By Sreeja B

    The Trust Tree cover image

    28 May, 2024

    a hedge sitting on a dirt path in a forest with flowers and butterflies around it, with a sunbeam in the background, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Henry, the shy and quiet hedgehog, moved into the magical forest, hoping to find new friends and a place to call home.

    a painting of a raccoon in a forest with a bird and flowers around it, and a squirrel, furry art, a character portrait, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Luna, Benny, and Olive, the forest animals, welcomed Henry. Despite their warmth, Henry felt a little left out.

    a brown owl sitting on a tree branch in a forest with green leaves and a full moon in the background, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, josan gonzales and dan mumford

    The animals noticed that the Trust Tree hadn't bloomed since Henry's arrival. They held a meeting to discuss this issue.

    a group of owls sitting on a tree in a forest with a bird nest in the middle of the tree, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, rossdraws global illumination

    Olive suggested that they hadn't shown Henry what true friendship meant yet. They agreed to involve Henry more in their activities.

    a hedgehog and a mouse in a forest with nuts and leaves on the ground and a tree in the background, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    During a game, Luna couldn't find a good hiding spot. Henry offered his help, allowing Luna to hide behind his quills.

    a hedgehog and a squirrel are standing in the woods together, with a forest background and a forest scene in the background, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Luna trusted Henry and hid behind him. When she finally popped out from behind Henry, everyone laughed, and Luna thanked Henry for his help.

    a rabbit sitting on a tree stump in a forest with leaves and a tree trunk in the foreground, furry art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, rossdraws global illumination

    Benny wanted to climb a tall tree but was afraid of falling. Seeing his hesitation, Henry offered to catch him if he fell.

    a rabbit is climbing up a tree in the forest with a backpack on it's back and a backpack on its back, furry art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    With Henry's encouragement, Benny climbed the tree and reached the top safely. He thanked Henry, acknowledging his trustworthiness.

    a painting of an owl sitting on a tree branch in a forest with other owls around it and a full moon in the background, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, josan gonzales and dan mumford

    As the sun set, Olive gathered all the animals around the Trust Tree. She expressed her belief that they had learned the true meaning of trust and friendship.

    a cartoon of a forest with a bear and other animals standing around a tree and looking at the camera, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    They all held hands and looked at the tree with hope. Slowly, a golden glow began to spread across the branches.

    a painting of a tree with animals in it and a sun in the background with leaves on it and a forest scene with deers and trees, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, storybook illustration

    One by one, beautiful golden flowers bloomed, lighting up the forest with their gentle light. The Trust Tree had never looked more magnificent.

    a hedge sitting in the middle of a forest next to a tree with eyes on it's face, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Henry beamed with happiness. He thanked everyone for trusting him and showing him what true friendship meant.