Once upon a time there was a fox and a rabbit, and they were the very best friends that two friends could ever be. They did everything together. Fox taught Rabbit how to run and play in the leaves, and Rabbit taught Fox how to sit so still that even the wind couldn't tell he was there. Rabbit and Fox loved each other so much.
Then one day, Rabbit noticed Fox was acting a little different. He seemed distant and distracted. Sometimes he showed up late to play, and some days he just didn't show up at all. He just wasn't the same old Fox anymore.
"What's wrong, Fox?" said Rabbit. "Why don't you want to play down by the river anymore?"
"I don't know, Rabbit. I just don't like to play at the river anymore."
"Do you want to go play somewhere else? Because I've always wanted to explore what's beyond the steep hill! Let's go do that!"
"Nah," said Fox. "I don't want to play today."
Fox slunk away and left Rabbit feeling very alone and confused. Did she do something wrong? She didn't think so, but Fox was acting so differently that she wasn't sure of anything anymore.
"Maybe I'll just give him some time," said Rabbit. "That's all he needs, I think."
So Rabbit went about her business, but Fox was never far from her mind. He hadn't been around in ages and Rabbit was worried that something had happened to him. She missed him dearly. Then one day while she was down by the river nibbling on some fresh clover, she heard a familiar laugh.
"It's Fox!" she said, pricking up her ears. She couldn't have been more excited!
"After this, let's go check out that old log up by the blueberry bush." Rabbit didn't recognize that voice.
"Oh, Mole," laughed Fox. "You're always thinking about food!"
"Mole?" thought Rabbit. "Who is Mole?" Scurrying under some brush, she went silent, a camouflaged observer.
"I've had so much fun with you lately, Mole!" said Fox. "You're just what I needed!"
Rabbit's heart sank. 'I thought I was what you needed, Fox?' she thought.
"Well, you know I just like to have fun, Fox!" said Mole. "Nothing but fun and games with me!"
"I know," said Fox. "That's why you're my new best friend!"
Still hidden in the bushes, tears streamed down Rabbit's face. She had never felt so betrayed or lonely in her life. What did Fox mean, his new best friend? When did she stop being his best friend?
Months and months passed. Rabbit did her best to carry on like nothing had happened, but it was so hard. Her heart hurt so much that sometimes she couldn't eat or even breathe. Her other furry friends did the best they could to console her, but nothing could replace Fox and the love she had for him.
"You just need to forget about Fox," said Squirrel. "He's just not worth it."
Rabbit heard what everyone was saying, and a part of her agreed — but it still didn't make her heart feel any better. She was going to have to do that all by herself. She didn't know why Fox did what he did, but somehow she was going to have to figure out a way to move forward with her life. And that's just what she did.
Rabbit hunkered down and began thinking about all the good things she already had in her life. She realized how lucky and grateful she was for her family and her friends. She was thankful for the fresh clover to eat and a peaceful, safe warren to sleep in at night. Slowly, Rabbit's heart began to heal. She began to laugh again. She began to run in the tall grass like she used to.
"I'm so proud of you," said Squirrel.
"I'm proud of me too," answered Rabbit. "For the first time in a long time, I feel at peace."
One day Rabbit was down by the riverbank with Squirrel when a familiar voice said, 'Hey.' Fox gave his ragged tail a little wag. His walk was slow and careful. It was true — Fox looked horrible. His once shiny coat was dirty and matted, and he was missing a clump of fur up by his neck.
"Truth is," said Fox. "I haven't been feeling so great, especially on the inside." He hung his snout to the ground, his eyes barely able to meet Rabbit's.
Rabbit knew how hard it was for Fox to talk about his feelings, but she also wasn't going to let him off the hook that easy. He'd hurt her terribly. 'Go on,' said Rabbit.
"Well I... here, I brought you this." He reached his snout up under the scruff of his neck and pulled out a white daisy. "I know how much you like these."
It was all Rabbit could do to keep from hopping over to hug him, but she didn't. 'Thank you, Fox. It was very thoughtful of you.' As she pinned the flower between her ears, she could see Fox smiling. Boy had she missed that smile. 'Thanks for stopping by, Fox. It took a lot of courage to come here today.'
"Would it be okay if maybe I came around again sometime?" said Fox.
"I would like that," answered Rabbit.
A few days later, Fox found Rabbit in the meadow. 'I'm sorry for being an awful friend, Rabbit. I'd been feeling down for a while and then Mole came along, and I thought she would make me feel better, and I wouldn't have to think about what was really troubling me. But as time went on, I realized that Mole just made things worse. I don't expect you to ever forgive me or to ever want to be my friend again. I don't deserve it and I don't deserve you.'
He turned and slowly began to walk away.
"Hey, Fox. Want to go explore that meadow beyond the big hill? I still haven't done it. I guess I've been waiting for my friend who promised he'd go with me."
Fox broke out into a gigantic grin. 'Of course I'll go exploring with you!'
"Rabbit, can I ask you something? Why? Why do you still want to be my friend?"
"Because I love you, Fox. I never stopped loving you. You lost your way for a little bit, but now you're back, and that's all that matters. I'm not saying we're going to jump right back to where we were, but you're here and I'm here, and it can be a new beginning if we want it to."
Rabbit hopped closer to Fox and snuggled her nose against his. 'Glad to have you home.'
"It's where I belong," said Fox, licking her nose. "It's where I've always belonged. I know that now."
Moral of the story — If you're courageous enough to listen, your heart will always lead you back to where you're supposed to be. Be brave and follow it.