Tully and the Moon's Lost Button

Tully the otter was fond of stones, the striped ones, held in cozy tones.

His pockets clinked with every stride. 'Meet Stripey Sue,' he said with pride.

But tonight the rain went pitter-pat. The moon looked sad, and Tully sat.

She called, 'My silver button's gone! Without it, I can't shine along.'

'I'll find it!' Tully said out loud, and off he padded through the crowd

of streetlamps, shops, and umbrellas bright. The city shimmered, wet with night.

But dark corners made his whiskers shake. 'Oh dear,' he whispered. 'My knees all quake.'

His paws felt cold. His tail hung low. He did not want to be alone, you know.

Then 'Hello!' came a gentle voice. A hedgehog smiled. 'I'm Nell. Rejoice,

I've a little lantern and time to share. Can I help you look? I'd love to care.'

She took his paw in her small, warm one. 'Now we're two, and the dark's no fun

to face alone. Come, we'll go slow.' Tully grinned. 'Oh, I'm glad you know!'

They stopped where the lane split two ways. The puddles twinkled like silver bays.

A garden wall hid shadowy spots. The lamp posts glowed in golden dots.

'Which way,' asked Nell, 'shall we look first?' Tully took a breath. His brave heart burst

with warmth, for Nell was by his side. He squeezed her paw and stood up wide.