Nathan’s Forest Shelter

Nathan and Aaron spread a green rug in the forest picnic area. Dad places their basket beside it while the boys look up at the tall trees.

They hear a soft tapping sound above their heads. Nathan thinks it is a bird at first. Then cool raindrops fall through the leaves.

Aaron points to a wooden shelter on the other side of the clearing. “We could have our picnic there,” he says, lifting one corner of the rug.

Dad carries the basket. The boys fold the rug between them. They walk carefully across the grass. Nothing falls out or drags on the ground.

Under the shelter, they spread the rug on the dry floor. One corner is wet. Nathan folds it underneath before they sit down.

The rain grows louder on the wooden roof, but their food stays dry. Aaron notices a little bird waiting beneath the branches near the shelter.

They eat their sandwiches and watch the clearing from their cosy spot. When the rain stops, sunlight makes the drops on the leaves shine.

Nathan helps Dad pack the basket. Aaron folds the rug. “Our plan changed, but we still had our forest picnic,” says Nathan. They head home.