The calm pond shimmered under the golden morning sun.

Little Quill, a cheerful yellow duckling, loved her cozy home.

She waddled with tiny steps to the water's cool edge.

Quill: “Hello, happy pond!" chirped Quill with a smile.”

Quill looked up at the vast, big, blue sky above.

Quill: “Hello, wonderfully fluffy clouds!" she quacked brightly.”

One cloud, especially soft and bright, floated gently over Quill's spot.

Quill: “Hello, dear Whisper!" called Quill, waving a tiny wing.”

Whisper the cloud drifted ever so slowly, far above the little duckling.

Quill: “Wait for me, Whisper!" Quill cried, flapping her small wings.”

But Whisper kept moving along, a little further, then a little more.

Quill: “Oh, dear me," whispered Quill, feeling a little sad.”

Quill sat thoughtfully on a smooth, cool grey stone.

She wanted to play games with Whisper, but clouds were so high.

Quill thought very, very hard, her little beak scrunched up.

Quill: “How can I ever reach you?" she wondered out loud.”

She tried to jump high, then stretch her long neck.

Quill: “Too, too high for me!" Quill sighed with a flutter.”

Quill felt a small, lonely pang in her ducky heart.

She watched Whisper change shapes, like a fluffy bunny.

Quill: “Where do you travel, Whisper?" she asked the big sky.”

A gentle breeze rustled the tall, green reeds nearby.

Quill: “I wish you could stay right near me," Quill mumbled.”

Quill realized Whisper was always somewhere, just always moving.

Quill suddenly splashed happily in the cool, clear water.

Quill: “You are still my wonderful sky-friend!" she called loudly.”

Whisper the cloud looked down, soft and perfectly white.

Quill felt a warm, bubbly feeling spread through her little heart.

Quill: “We play together," she giggled, "just from far away!"”

The round, silver moon began to peek over the sleepy trees.

Quill snuggled into her soft, warm nest, dreaming of fluffy clouds.