Rani was enjoying a sunny afternoon in the meadow, chasing butterflies and munching on clover. She was a friendly little lamb, always ready to help anyone in need. Just across the meadow, in the dark forest, lived Wally the Wolf. Wally was known for being grumpy and always hungry. He didn’t have many friends, and he liked it that way.

One day, Wally was prowling through the forest when he heard a loud “Snap!” He looked down and saw that his paw was caught in a hunter’s trap. “Ugh, not now!” he grumbled, trying to pull his paw free. But the more he struggled, the tighter the trap seemed to grip.

Back in the meadow, Rani heard the distant noise of Wally’s growls. Curious and a bit concerned, she decided to check it out. As she approached the edge of the forest, she saw Wally struggling with the trap. “Oh no, that’s Wally!” she exclaimed.

Wally looked up and saw Rani. “Go away!” he snapped. “I don’t need your help!”

But Rani was not the type to ignore someone in need. “You’re in trouble, and I’m going to help,” she said firmly. With a quick hop, she approached Wally.

Wally tried to pull his paw free again. “I’m a wolf! I don’t need a lamb to save me!”

Rani just smiled. “Everyone needs help sometimes. Let me see what I can do.”

Wally was too tired and scared to argue. He watched as Rani carefully examined the trap. “Hmm,” she said thoughtfully. “This looks tricky, but I think I can figure it out.”

With a few quick twists and turns, Rani managed to open the trap. Wally pulled his paw free and rubbed it, still wary but grateful. “Thanks, I guess,” he muttered, trying to hide his embarrassment.

Rani beamed. “No problem! You should be more careful in these woods. There are all sorts of dangers.”

Wally grunted but nodded. “I’ll try to be. Thanks for the help.”

Just then, a loud rumble echoed through the forest. Rani’s ears perked up. “What’s that?”

Before Wally could answer, a shadow fell over them. A huge storm was brewing, and dark clouds were rolling in fast. “We need to find shelter!” Rani said urgently.

Wally, who had been planning to run away, hesitated. “But where will we go?”

“There’s a cave not far from here,” Rani said. “Come on!”

Wally followed Rani as they dashed through the forest. Rain started pouring down, and the wind howled around them. Wally was amazed at how brave Rani was, even in such a storm. They reached the cave just in time, dripping wet and shivering.

Inside the cave, Wally tried to warm up by the small fire Rani had started. “You’re pretty smart,” he admitted. “I never would have thought to find this cave.”

Rani smiled. “It’s nothing. I know these woods well.”

Wally’s eyes softened. “I guess I’ve been too focused on myself. Thanks for not only saving me from the trap but also from the storm.”

Rani’s smile widened. “That’s what friends are for. We all need each other, no matter what.”

The storm raged outside, but inside the cave, it was warm and cozy. Wally and Rani talked and laughed about their adventures. Wally realized that maybe he didn’t have to be alone all the time.

As the storm passed and the sun started to peek out, Wally and Rani stepped outside. The meadow sparkled with raindrops, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Wally looked at Rani and said, “I think I’ve learned something important today. Being kind and helping others can make a big difference.”

Rani nuzzled him. “That’s right! And remember, you don’t have to do everything alone. Friends are always here to help.”

Wally and Rani walked back to the meadow together, their friendship stronger than ever. And from that day on, Wally wasn’t just the grumpy wolf anymore. He was known as the wolf with a heart of gold.