Rabbit's Surprise Birthday

Rabbit's Surprise Birthday

Rabbit and Owl lived in a big, old oak tree. They loved their huge old tree. It made them feel safe and warm. They slept all day in the warm, cosy tree. When night came Owl would wake up. He would open his eyes as wide as saucers. He loved to see the stars and moon twinkle in the night sky.

Every night Owl would fly down to see Rabbit. Every night Rabbit would wait for Owl. Then they would talk all night long. They had been very best friends for years.

One night Owl woke up and went to see Rabbit, but Rabbit wasn't there! Owl called, "Hello, Rabbit." But Rabbit didn't answer. Owl called again, "Rabbit! Rabbit! Where are you?" Rabbit still didn't answer, so Owl went into Rabbit's burrow. Rabbit was there alone. "Rabbit? Are you OK?" asked Owl. But Rabbit still didn't answer.

"Rabbit, my old friend, answer me," said Owl. But Rabbit didn't answer. He just looked down. Owl thought Rabbit looked very, very sad indeed. So Owl hooted loudly. He hooted like a fire engine. He hooted like an ambulance. He hooted like an owl who wants his friend to smile.

Rabbit still didn't smile. "What's the matter?" said Owl. Rabbit still didn't answer. "What's the matter, my old friend?" asked Owl. "Owl, I am not old. I am eight," said Rabbit. Owl didn't know what to say. "I am eight," said Rabbit again. "I am eight today." Then Owl did know what to say. "Happy Birthday, Rabbit!" said Owl.