Just as they were feeling full, Captain Ace spluttered into his cup of strawberry soda. He’d spotted Mr. Cleverfeather coming out through the trees. “Well, I never!” the captain said. “We hardly ever see Mr. Cleverfeather these days!”
“A big cheer for Mr. Cleverfeather and his leaf blower,” shouted Jess. “Hip, hip...”
“HOORAY!”
Jess gave the leaf blower back to Mr. Cleverfeather, and the old owl pressed the button by mistake, showering Lucy with cake crumbs.
“I say,” said Mr. Cleverfeather. “I do, er—”
“Jolly pies!” said Goldie, and everyone laughed while Lucy nibbled at the crumbs. Lily gave the owl a plate of sandwiches and seed cake.
“What a day!” Jess said, munching on her cake.
“It was amazing,” agreed Lily. “But I think my mom will be wondering where we are. It’s time for us to go home.”
They said good-bye and Goldie led them to a beautiful tree with golden leaves close to Toadstool Glade.
“This is the Friendship Tree,” Goldie said. When she touched a paw to the trunk a door appeared, just like the one in Brightley Meadow.
Lily looked serious. “Goldie, I think Grizelda meant what she said. She won’t stop trying to make the animals leave the forest.”
Goldie sighed. “You’re right,” she said. “She’ll find another way to harm the forest. Maybe she’ll attack the Silver Spring, where the river starts, or the Treasure Tree, where we get our food...”
“Then we’ll stop her,” said Jess fiercely. “We promise!”
Goldie hugged each of the girls. “Thank you,” she said. “As soon as Grizelda makes trouble again, I’ll come and find you.”
Lily opened the door in the tree.
“Good-bye, Goldie!” the girls chorused. “See you soon!”
They stepped into shimmering golden light. As it cleared, they found themselves back in Brightley Meadow.
“Did that really happen?” asked Lily.
“I think so,” said Jess.
They glanced back. The door had disappeared, but they could still make out the letters carved into the tree trunk.
“It wasn’t a dream,” Lily murmured. “Friendship Forest is real.”
“It must be so late,” said Jess, checking her watch. She frowned. “Hey! It’s the same time as when we left!”
Lily stared. “So time stood still while we were in Friendship Forest? Cool! Listen, Jess,” she said. “Should we keep this our secret?”
“Of course!” said Jess. “Our very own magic animal friends. Who would believe us, anyway?”
They laughed and skipped over the stepping-stones, back to the wildlife hospital. As they walked through the gate, Lily’s mom waved at them.
“Having a good morning?” she asked.
“Yes, thanks,” said Lily. “The best start to the summer ever. So far it’s been—” She looked at Jess.
They giggled and said together, “Magical!”
The End