Flora and Ayaan

Flora the owl perched in her tree. She gazed at the full moon.

Suddenly she heard a hoot above her.

“Who-who is there?” Flora hooted back. She flew to the branch above her.

Ayaan, the young owl, was startled. He hid inside the tree.

“I’m sorry,” Ayaan said. “I did not know anyone else was here. I will go now.”

“You don’t have to go,” said Flora. “And you don’t have to hide either. Come and watch the moon with me.”

“I cannot come out,” Ayaan said. “You will think I am ugly.”

“I think all birds are beautiful,” said Flora. “But if it makes you feel better you can stay in the shadow.”