In a lush green forest, nestled amongst towering trees and whispering leaves, lived a little snake named Serpentine. Serpentine wasn't like the other snakes. While they slithered swiftly and hunted with precision, Serpentine preferred to observe the world with quiet curiosity.
He loved watching the birds build their nests, the squirrels bury their acorns, and the butterflies dance amongst the flowers. But he felt a little different. Other snakes often hissed and darted, making him feel like he didn't quite fit in.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Serpentine saw a tiny mouse scurrying through the undergrowth. It had lost its way and was shivering with fear, whimpering softly.
The other snakes would have pursued it, eager for a meal. But Serpentine felt a different urge. He knew how frightened the little mouse must be. He slithered slowly towards it, his heart filled with a gentle kindness.
He gently nudged the mouse with his nose, signaling for it to come closer. He stayed still and quiet, patiently waiting. The mouse, surprised by the snake's gentle approach, hesitated for a moment, then cautiously crept towards Serpentine. It didn't run away.
Serpentine didn't try to grab or harm the mouse. Instead, he carefully guided the tiny creature towards a safe, warm hollow beneath a giant root, showing the mouse how to find it without any pressure.
The mouse, nestled comfortably in the hollow, softly chittered its thanks. Serpentine felt a warm glow inside. He knew he had helped. He had shown kindness and patience.
The next day, the other snakes commented on Serpentine's actions, wondering why he didn't try to eat the mouse. They whispered about his ‘strange’ behaviour.
But Serpentine just smiled. He knew that true strength wasn't about being the fastest or the fiercest. It was about showing kindness and patience, qualities that were just as important as his natural instincts.
From that day on, Serpentine continued to be kind to all the creatures in the forest, showing compassion to every one he encountered. He learned that being different didn't mean being ‘wrong’. He showed that kindness and patience were strengths to be proud of. He was a gentle guide, and a friend to all.
As the stars twinkled in the night sky, Serpentine curled up in his own snug hollow, feeling a deep sense of peace. He knew that even small acts of kindness could make a big difference in the world, and that was a wonderful feeling to carry into his bedtime.