Cowboy Sir Kyle wakes up at dawn on a gentle mountain slope. He wears a shiny cowboy hat and a red bandana. Sir Kyle smiles at the tall pine trees. Around him the air is cool and calm. His best friend Horse stands nearby. Horse is loyal and playful. Horse neighs softly. Sir Kyle pats Horse on the mane. Horse whinnies with joy.
“Good morning, Horse,” Sir Kyle says. He hears a soft cry. A small Phoenix flaps bright golden wings. Phoenix sings a happy tune. Phoenix is kind and brave. He loves to explore. Sir Kyle lifts Phoenix gently. “Hello, little friend,” he whispers. Phoenix chirps and snuggles.
Next to them a Griffin emerges. Griffin has fluffy feathers and soft paws. Griffin is curious and gentle. He trots close to Sir Kyle. Griffin blinks big amber eyes. Sir Kyle smiles wide and says, “Welcome, Griffin.” Griffin purrs like a kitten and flaps tiny wings.
Sir Kyle checks his saddle. He wants to ride Horse up the mountain. But suddenly he notices his hat is gone. Sir Kyle gasps. His shiny cowboy hat is missing. Horse sniffs the grass. Phoenix flutters overhead. Griffin looks around.
A Bandit appears behind a boulder. The Bandit wears a ragged cloak and a sneaky grin. He holds Sir Kyle’s hat in one gloved hand. Bandit laughs quietly. Sir Kyle stands tall. He feels brave. Sir Kyle says, “Please give me back my hat, Bandit.” Bandit shakes his head and backs away. Bandit scoots into a hidden cave.
Sir Kyle calls, “Friends, let’s find my hat!” Horse nods and trots after the Bandit’s footprints. Phoenix flies above and scans the hillside. Griffin scampers behind waving his wings. They follow footprints into a shadowy cave. The cave echoes their footsteps. It is quiet and calm inside.
Deep in the cave the Bandit waits by a glowing rock. Bandit grips the hat tight. Sir Kyle gently steps forward. “Bandit, I am sorry if you are sad. Please share my hat. Hats feel best when shared.” Bandit frowns. Horse gently neighs. Phoenix sings a sweet lullaby. Griffin hums softly. The Bandit’s frown softens. His eyes glimmer.
Bandit hands the hat back to Sir Kyle. Then Bandit sighs. He says, “I am lonely here on the mountain. I wanted a friend.” Sir Kyle smiles warmly. “You can be our friend,” he says. Phoenix chirps happily. Horse nudges Bandit’s shoulder. Griffin purrs. Bandit hugs Sir Kyle.
Outside the cave dawn light bathes them in gold. Sir Kyle places the hat back on his head. Horse whinnies. Phoenix flies in circles above. Griffin flaps his wings with joy. Bandit stands beside them, smiling. Sir Kyle reaches into his saddle bag and finds a small wooden treasure box. He opens it. Inside are shiny gold stars. He gives one to each friend. Each star glows brightly.
They decorate Horse’s mane with a star. Phoenix wears a star on his tail. Griffin holds a star between his paws. Bandit pins a star to his cloak. Sir Kyle keeps his hat and wears a star on his bandana. They laugh together under the morning sun.
Sir Kyle turns to his friends and says, “We make a great team.” They nod and cheer. The bright stars twinkle. The mountain feels full of magic and friendship. Together they ride down the grassy slope, singing a happy song. They know they are never alone when they have friends.
The End.