Prudence’s Trail Bell

Prudence carries a little bell on a woodland walk. Dad says they can ring it when they reach the bridge.

Rosalind hears birds singing above the path. “Let us listen before we ring the bell,” she says.

Prudence puts the bell in her canvas bag. They stop to hear a bird calling from a low branch.

At the bridge, Prudence reaches into the bag. The bell is there, but its red cord has caught on a zip.

She pulls once, then stops when the cord will not move. “Can you help me, Dad?” she asks.

Dad opens the zip a little further. Prudence gently lifts the cord free without pulling hard.

She rings the bell, and Rosalind takes the next turn. Its bright sound mixes with the soft sound of the stream.

They tuck the bell away before walking home. Now they can listen for the birds again.