Once upon a time, in a sparkling pond surrounded by tall green reeds, lived a little yellow fluffball. He was a very happy little one, always paddling around, chasing shimmering dragonflies, and bobbing his little head as he dipped his beak into the water to search for tasty water bugs. He loved to play with his siblings and cousins, a whole gaggle of cheerful, yellow balls of fluff.

One sunny afternoon, the little fluffball was having a grand time playing hide-and-seek amongst the reeds. He’d peep his little head out, giggling, then duck back down, trying to be as sneaky as a little shadow. He was having so much fun, he didn’t even notice his cousin, who was a bit clumsy, waddling a little too close to the edge of the pond.

Suddenly, with a startled squeak, the clumsy cousin tumbled into the water! The water was deeper than he expected, and he struggled to keep his little head above the surface. He flapped his wings frantically, but he was too small and the current was a little strong. He sputtered and gasped, his little yellow feathers all soaked and clinging to his body. He was scared! Very, very scared!

The little fluffball, who had been hiding behind a particularly large reed, saw his cousin’s plight. He didn’t hesitate for a second. He forgot all about the game, and all about the fun he was having. He saw his cousin struggling, and his heart felt a little squeeze, like someone had gently squeezed a lemon in his tummy. It wasn’t a painful squeeze, but a feeling that made him want to do something.

He knew he had to help!

He paddled as fast as his little legs could carry him, his tiny feet churning the water. He didn't think about how difficult it might be, or whether he was strong enough. He just knew he had to reach his cousin. The fear in his cousin’s eyes made his own little heart beat faster.

Getting closer, he saw his cousin's little head bobbing up and down, his squeaks becoming weaker. The little fluffball knew he had to be quick. He reached his cousin, and using all his strength, he nudged him gently towards the shallow edge of the pond.

It wasn’t easy. The water felt heavy, and his own little body was tired from all the paddling. But he kept pushing, his determination stronger than his tiredness. He kept encouraging his cousin with little chirps of support, letting him know he was there, he was safe, and he was going to be okay.

Finally, after what felt like a very long time, they both reached the muddy bank. The clumsy cousin collapsed onto the soft earth, coughing up water and gasping for breath. He was shivering, but he was safe.

The little fluffball nuzzled his cousin, feeling relieved and happy. He was so happy that he’d been able to help. He sat beside his cousin, sharing his warmth and comforting him until his shivering subsided.

Later, when they were both dry and warm, sitting amongst the other fluffballs, the clumsy cousin looked at his rescuer with grateful eyes. "Thank you," he squeaked, his voice still a little shaky. "You saved me!"

The little fluffball smiled, a wide, happy smile. He didn't need thanks. He felt a warm glow inside, a feeling much better than finding the best water bug or winning at hide-and-seek. He felt the wonderful feeling of having helped someone in need.

That day, the little fluffball learned a very important lesson. Helping others isn't just about doing something nice; it’s about caring. It's about seeing someone in trouble and feeling a little squeeze in your tummy, a feeling that pushes you to act, to do what you can to make things better. It's about sharing your strength, your kindness, and your time, because sometimes, even the smallest act of kindness can make the biggest difference.

And as the sun set, painting the sky in beautiful colours, the little fluffball knew that helping others was the best game of all. It was a game he would play again and again, because the joy of helping others is a joy that never ends. It fills your heart with warmth, makes you feel strong and brave, and reminds you that even a little fluffball can make a big difference in the world. And that, my little one, is why we help others. Because it makes us feel good, and it makes the world a better place for everyone. Just like you make me feel good every single day.