Little Ruby loved wearing her bright red hooded cape. Her Grandma had made it for her, and Ruby wore it everywhere! One sunny morning, Ruby’s mama asked her to take a basket of warm blueberry muffins to Grandma, who lived in a cozy cottage at the edge of the Whispering Woods. “Now Ruby,” Mama said, “stay on the path, and don’t talk to strangers.”
Ruby promised she would, and skipped happily into the woods. The path was winding and full of colorful wildflowers. Soon, she met a fluffy squirrel gathering nuts. “Hello!” chirped Ruby. The squirrel chattered back, but Ruby remembered her mama’s words and kept walking, staying right on the path.
A little further on, she saw a friendly-looking fox. The fox smiled and asked, “Where are you going, little one?” Ruby remembered her mama’s warning. She didn’t stop to chat, but politely said, “To Grandma’s house!” and continued on her way. The fox watched her go, but Ruby didn’t worry; she knew staying on the path was the safest thing to do.
When Ruby arrived at Grandma’s cottage, she knocked on the door. Grandma opened it with a big smile! “Ruby, dear! How lovely to see you!” Grandma exclaimed. Ruby gave her the basket of muffins. “Mama said to stay on the path and not talk to strangers,” Ruby explained.
Grandma hugged Ruby tightly. “That was very wise of you, my dear. Listening to your mama keeps you safe.” They sat together, enjoying the warm muffins and a cup of chamomile tea. Grandma told Ruby stories about the woods, but always reminded her to be careful and listen to grown-ups.
As the sun began to set, Ruby’s mama came to collect her. Ruby was so happy she had followed her mama’s advice. She learned that listening to grown-ups and staying safe are the most important things, even when the woods seem full of friendly faces. Ruby knew she would always remember her journey to Grandma’s house, and her bright red cape felt even more special now.
That night, tucked into her own cozy bed, Ruby dreamed of wildflowers, friendly squirrels, and the warm, sweet smell of blueberry muffins. She knew, with a happy heart, that being safe and kind was the best adventure of all.