Once the sunshine started streaming in and the sunflowers had been watered, they stood up straight and tilted their faces toward the sky.
In less than an hour, the Shining House was almost clean. As Sophie’s tail rubbed away the last patch of frost, the sun came out from behind the clouds. Sunbeams shone on the sunflowers’ upturned faces, then golden sunlight arched up through the beautifully polished glass.
Everyone gasped in delight and ran outside to feel the warmth of the sun streaming around the forest.
The squirrels linked tails and danced around and around, waving their paws in the air happily.
The girls laughed, but Lily suddenly cried out, “Look!”
A familiar orb of light flew across Sunshine Meadow and exploded in a shower of sparks. When they cleared, there stood Grizelda.
“You interfering humans!” she shrieked. “You’ve ruined my plan!”
“It was an evil plan,” said Jess. “We had to stop you to save the forest and all the lovely creatures living in it!”
“Lovely creatures, pah!” screeched Grizelda. “You wait—you and that cat won’t stop me next time. Chilly might have disobeyed me, but I have three more magical dragon helpers. They won’t let me down!”
She snapped her fingers and disappeared in a burst of terrible, smelly yellow-green sparks.
The squirrels stared at one another in shock. Then Sophie bravely jumped forward and stuck her tongue out at where Grizelda used to be, making everyone laugh.
“Come on, you must be hungry after that adventure.” Mrs. Flufftail brought out a picnic basket and soon they were all nibbling delicious homemade nut bread with hazelnut butter, and apricot pies.
When they’d all eaten it was time for Lily and Jess to go home. They said good-bye to the Flufftails and gave Sophie an especially big hug.
“You’re such a brave little squirrel,” Lily whispered as she said good-bye.
As Goldie took them back to the Friendship Tree, Lily and Jess passed lots of their animal friends sitting and enjoying the sunshine.
“Look,” said Goldie, pointing to a starflower bush. It was smothered in white buds. “Thanks to you, the flowers are blooming again. The Shining House is working its magic!”
When they reached the Friendship Tree, Goldie put a paw to the trunk and the door appeared. She hugged the girls. “I’m sure Grizelda will think of another plan to drive us all out of the forest,” she said. “After all, she still has three more dragons. But I know I can count on you to help us again.”
“Of course you can,” said Jess.
“We’ll be ready whenever you come for us,” added Lily.
They stepped into the shimmering light and felt the familiar tingle that meant they were returning to their real height.
Back in Brightley Meadow, the storm had calmed. As the girls crossed the stream and headed for the wildlife hospital, the sun came out from behind the clouds.
“A rainbow!” cried Jess, pointing to a beautiful arch across the sky.
Mr. Hart beckoned them from the barn door.
“Now that the sun’s shining,” he said, “why don’t you come and help me attach this nest box to the chestnut tree for the three young squirrels you brought in. We’ll keep an eye on them,” he added.
“Choose a sunny spot,” Mrs. Hart called after them, “so the squirrels will be warm.”
Lily and Jess exchanged a secret smile.
They knew a whole family of squirrels who loved the sun!
The End