Ellie, a small, gray elephant calf with big, gentle eyes and floppy ears, hesitated at the edge of the group, her trunk curling nervously around a smooth stone. The other animal children splashed and trumpeted, but Ellie kept glancing over her shoulder as if something heavy weighed on her heart. Sunlight danced on the water, but shadows lingered beneath the trees, echoing Ellie's secret fear.

Ellie[/@ch_1], who sits apart from the group, her eyes fixed on the ground.] Milo, a cheerful monkey with a bright yellow scarf and curious eyes, notices Ellie's quietness and tiptoes over, concern etched on his face. "Ellie, why aren't you playing with us? Is something wrong?" Ellie fidgets with her stone, her ears drooping. "I... I have a secret, Milo. It's scary, and I don't know if I should tell."

Ellie[/@ch_1]'s eyes as she walks alone.] Ellie remembers something bad that happened deep in the jungle—a moment that made her feel small and frightened. She wishes she could forget, but the memory follows her like a shadow. Each step she takes feels heavier, as if the secret is a stone in her heart.

Mama Gita[/@ch_3], a wise elephant matriarch with gentle wrinkles and kind eyes, comforts the little ones.] Milo sits beside Ellie, quietly offering her a large leaf for shelter. "Sometimes secrets feel really big and scary," he whispers, "but when you share them, they can get a little smaller."[/@ch_2_d] Mama Gita notices the worry on Ellie's face and kneels down so her trunk brushes Ellie's cheek. "Ellie, you are safe here. If you ever want to talk, I will listen with my whole heart," she says softly.

Ellie[/@ch_1] gathers her courage.] Ellie takes a deep breath, her voice trembling but determined. "Something happened in the jungle that scared me. I didn't know what to do, and I felt all alone. But... I don't want to keep it inside anymore. Will you listen?" "Of course, Ellie. Thank you for trusting us," Mama Gita replies, her trunk wrapped gently around Ellie.

Ellie[/@ch_1] as she shares her story. The air feels lighter, and the pond sparkles as hope returns.] Ellie discovers that her friends and family are there for her, no matter what. With each word, her burden lifts, and she feels brave for the first time in a long while. The other animals promise to help and protect one another, so no one ever has to feel afraid and alone again. "You're not alone, Ellie. We're your herd," Milo says, and all the animals trumpet and cheer, filling the jungle with warmth and love.