The sun shone brightly and the elders predicted that tomorrow would be just as beautiful. Casper smiled joyfully, he had been planning a picnic for his friends and had found the perfect spot for it to be held.

A large willow tree sat upon the edge of a cliff that over looked the lake, and the small valley of flowers beyond it. As the wind blew through his shimmery black fur, the leaves on the trees rattled slightly, loose leaves soaring through the skies like birds flying south.

Laying his red plaid picnic blanket down upon the grass, the young kitten began setting up his decorations. He tied streamers to the trees and laid out the seats and party hats. He tied bows along branches and around the hung streamers. Once he was done, he took a step back to admire his work. All that was left was to get the food there.

Watching the sun begin to set, the little kitten began his journey home, taking a short cut through the Winding Woods. Before he knew it, the shadows began to grow longer as the last rays of the sun kissed the clouds before they disappeared. Soon, the light had faded, and the night has claimed the world. This isn't a place to spend the night, and suddenly, home seems very far away....

The wind howled as the young kitten walk through the woods, the leaves on the trees and bushes rattled and cackled as the wind blew through them. Casper brought his paws up in front of him as he slowly waddled along the darkened path, his small body shivering with fear.

"Whooo...." A noise from nowhere made the kitten jump. "Whooo... whooo's there?" A lump in the tree ahead of Casper called.

"C-Casper F-Fuzzymittens...." The kitten shook as he became frozen with fear. The top part of the lump began to turn before two golden eyes stared down upon Casper.

"I'm Oliver or Oli. I'm an owl." The bird flapped his wings. "What brings you out here so late?" The little owl would tilt his head slightly.

"I was taking a shortcut home and got lost." Casper replied hesitantly, fiddling with his small paws as he kept his large ears down.

"Hmm... I can try to help you get out, if you don't mind me tagging along." Oliver chirped excitedly.

"Alright." Casper smiled as he rubbed his paw against the back of his head.

"Yay!" Oliver leaped down towards the kitten, using his wings to glide down safely. "Road trip!" The corners of Casper's lips turned up to form a slight grin.

"Hey Oli, why are you awake at such a late time?" Casper asked as he began walking, following the tiny owl's lead.

"Owls are nocturnal, which means we sleep during the day and are awake during the night." Oliver skipped in front of Casper, his head turned towards the kitten while his body remained forward.

"O-Oli. Can I ask you somethin'?" Casper quivered as he brought his little tail in front of him.

"Ask me anything! I'm your guide!" The owlet smiled warmly towards the kitten.

"A-Are you afraid of the dark?" Casper ran his paw through his tail as he stroked it gently.

"Sometimes, but my ma told me that if I ever get scared, to whistle a familiar tune." Oliver hummed, turning his body to meet with his head. "It always works for me." He then would begin to whistle to the tune of "Twinkle, twinkle, little star." Starting to feel better, Casper began to whistle with Oliver. The two boys continued on their journey, whistling their worries away.

Rustle rustle

Crack.

A bush behind the two shook vigorously causing them to stop in their tracks.

628 words.

Thank you for reading! Your support is greatly appreciated!
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