“I didn’t manage to get the apples Woody needed for apple-bobbing,” Molly told the girls, “but this is much more fun!”
As the sun began to set, the squashed fruit and nuts had been cleared away.
“Thank you,” Woody said to the girls and Goldie, his tail swishing happily. “There would be nothing growing on the tree at all if it wasn’t for you.”
Mr. and Mrs. Twinkletail each hugged the girls. “Thank you again for saving our Molly,” Mr. Twinkletail said.
Lily and Jess said good-bye to Molly and all their other friends, then Goldie took them back to the magical tree in the center of the forest so they could return to their own world. She touched the trunk with her paw and a door appeared.
“I’m so happy you were here today to stop Grizelda!” said the golden cat.
“So are we!” agreed Lily. “Do you think she’ll try to drive out all the animals again?”
“I’m sure she will,” Goldie said. “And when she’s back, I’ll come and get you.”
Jess and Lily hugged her.
“See you soon,” said Jess.
“Knowing Grizelda, you won’t have to wait very long!” said Goldie.
The girls stepped through the door and into the golden light that shimmered inside. A moment later, they found themselves in Brightley Meadow.
“Wow,” said Lily, rubbing her eyes. “That was an amazing adventure. I’m so glad we found Molly.”
“And saved the Treasure Tree,” said Jess with a smile.
They skipped back over the stepping stones. “Let’s go to your house and check on the other little mouse,” Lily said.
But when they asked Mr. Forester if he’d looked at the trap yet, he looked confused. “Of course not. You’ve only been gone ten minutes.”
Lily and Jess giggled. They’d forgotten that time stood still when they were in Friendship Forest!
“I’ll check it,” said Jess.
She looked in the cupboard. “Lily!” she whispered. “The trap’s little door is shut.”
“The mouse must be in there,” Lily said.
Jess picked up the trap. She could hear something moving inside. “Let’s set it free,” she said.
She carefully carried the trap to the trees at the end of the garden and set it down. Lily lifted the little door.
A moment later a tiny nose appeared, and slowly, slowly, the little brown mouse crept out. It scampered across the grass to a nearby hazel tree. There it stopped to nibble a fallen nut.
Lily and Jess smiled.
“Hazelnuts must be its favorite snack,” said Jess.
Lily laughed. “Just like Molly Twinkletail!”
The End