Maple wakes up and wants to say good morning. With Tika singing and Mama close, she finds her brave little voice.
Maple woke up in her soft hammock of leaves.
She blinked.
She looked for Mama.
Mama was on the next branch.
But Maple could not see her face at first.
The big green trees felt very big.
Maple held still.
"Good morning," sang Tika the toucan.
Tika hopped closer.
"Can you say it too?"
Maple opened her mouth, but no sound came out.
Then Mama leaned over.
She touched the hammock and gave it a tiny swing.
Sway, sway.
Sway, sway.
"I am here," said Mama.
Maple took a slow breath.
She looked at Mama.
She looked at Tika.
Then she tried again.
"Good morning," Maple whispered.
Tika chirped.
Mama smiled.
Now Maple felt ready for the day.
