The Journey Home

Clover awoke one night to find herself alone.

"Your mother is gone," said the owl. 

"Gone?" said Clover.

"A fox has taken her while you slept," answered the owl.

Clover sat and wondered what she would do. As if reading her mind, the owl spoke. "You must go to the far side of the lake and find your father," said the owl.

Clover had never traveled that far from her nest. Though she could swim, her mother told her never to go into the lake.

"How will I get there if I can't cross the lake?" Ask the duckling

"Walk around," said the owl.

The sun began its track across the sky as Clover left the only home she had known. 

As the small animal tumbled along, she heard someone calling to her.

"Little duck, come here quickly if you wish to live," said the voice.

Clover headed into the fern bed and was met by a small, long, eared creature.

"Hello, I'm Clover. Who are you?" said the duck.

"Shush, you mustn't talk. There is a young fox about, and we would make a wonderful meal," said the rabbit.

Clover froze when she heard the word fox.

After a bit, the rabbit sat up and looked around.

"He's gone. We can talk now," said the rabbit.

Clover whispered, "My mother was taken by a fox last night. Do you think it could be after me, too?”

"Doubtful," said the rabbit.

"That's good. I don't want to be eaten," said Clover.

The bunny showed her how to use the rabbit runs under the hedgerows. "You should be with your father in no time," the rabbit said.

"Thank you. I will never forget your kindness,” said the duckling. Clover shuffled off to find her father.

Clover moved carefully through the pathways and saw many beautiful things. She heard a mother duck call out to her baby. Clover remembered that her mother was gone and cried softly, wishing her father was there.

"Excuse me, are you hurt?" came a tiny voice.

Clover glanced about to see who was talking to her.

On the ground sat a fat little beetle.

"I'm sorry to have worried you. Last night, a fox took my mother. I must reach my father," said the duckling.

"It's not safe here for ducklings after dark. I hope you find your father," the beetle said. The duck thanked the beetle for its concern and shuffled down the path.

Clover could see the end of her journey as she walked around a bend. Clover slid into the water and headed for the marsh reeds.

The duckling called to her father, who dashed from the marsh to greet her with open wings.

Safely in the reeds, Clover told her father everything that happened. Tired and hungry, the duckling ate and rested until the moon was high in the sky. 

Gazing at the night sky, Clover thought she saw her mother gliding among the stars on her way to the silver lakes of Valhalla.