Once upon a time a girl and a boy lived in a forest under a very tall, very straight tree. The girl and the boy played under the tree, but it was so tall that its leaves provided no shade for them. They felt hot and unhappy.

One day a terrible storm with stinging rain blew into the forest. The girl and the boy huddled under the tall, straight tree... but its high, stiff branches offered no protection for them. They felt cold and wet and miserable.

The next day a howling wind whipped through the woods. The girl and the boy clung to the tall tree, but its straight trunk held no shelter for them. The wind was so strong that the tall tree blew right over. Its shallow roots could not anchor it to the ground.

But the girl and the boy knew what to do.

They walked through the forest together until they reached the riverbank. There they saw a tiny willow tree that had just begun to grow. They knew it was just the right tree for them.

The willow tree grew quickly. Very soon, it was tall enough to shelter the girl and the boy. It was even big enough to protect other girls and boys. Its long swaying branches kept them warm and dry the next time it rained. Another terrible storm swept through the forest.

Other trees in the forest crashed to the ground as the wild winds blew. But although the willow tree swayed and bent, it was too flexible to break. The wind only rustled gently through the willow tree's sheltering branches. Its roots held it firmly in place.

Years later, the forest had changed a great deal. Many of the tall, straight trees were gone, with only broken branches or bare stumps to show they had ever been there. But the willow tree still stood beside the riverbank, its beautiful branches whispering in the gentle breeze. The boy and the girl were happy... And the willow tree was happy too.