In the vast pine forests of the American Northwest lived a young girl named Ella. Her most treasured possession was a deep red cloak, hand-sewn by her grandmother. Wherever she went, she wore it, and so everyone called her Red Cloak Ella.
One day, while Ella was picking wild berries in the forest, she heard rustling in the bushes behind her. She turned and saw a massive gray wolf creeping toward her. His golden eyes shimmered with a strange light—both dangerous and mysterious.
Ella stepped back in fear, but the wolf spoke in a low voice: “Don’t be afraid. My name is Sol. I am the guardian of this forest.” Ella was so shocked she couldn’t speak. Sol the wolf continued: “Today, hunters have entered the forest. They want to capture all the animals. I need your help.” “M-me? But I’m just a little girl,” Ella whispered. Sol looked at her red cloak, his expression softening. “That cloak was made by your grandmother, wasn’t it? It was woven with the ‘Threads of Courage.’ Only someone with a good and gentle heart can bring out its power.” Ella looked down and noticed the cloak glowing faintly. Sol said, “If you’re willing to come with me, I can take you to the one thing that can stop the hunters.” Ella took a deep breath and nodded. And so, a little girl and a gray wolf began their journey through the forest. They passed through hidden vine-covered paths, crossed secret streams, and finally reached an ancient tree deep within the woods. Beneath it lay a Stone of Nature, a powerful gem that could dispel evil. But the hunters had followed them and cornered them near the tree. In that moment of danger, Ella’s red cloak suddenly billowed like the wind, radiating a warm golden light. The hunters were terrified and fled into the woods. Sol looked up at Ella, who stood shining in the light. “You see,” he said, “you were never just an ordinary girl.” Peace returned to the forest. Animals emerged from their hiding places and gathered around Ella, grateful for her courage. Before she left, Sol gently touched Ella’s hand with his nose. “Remember,” he said, “as long as you wear this cloak, the forest will always be your friend.” From that day on, Red Cloak Ella became the hero of the forest. And in that pine forest, a story was forever told— of a brave girl and a guardian wolf who saved the great forest together.