[Title]: Ali and Mom
[Author]: Big Hilichurl
[Text]:
[Chapter One: Ali and Mom]
Ali and Mom lived in a log cabin in the Big Forest, and next to the log cabin was a tinkling, singing brook.
Every morning, Ali woke up to Mom's gentle calling. Mom would use her big, fluffy tail to lightly tickle Ali's nose until the little fox let out an "achoo" and opened his eyes with a smile.
"Mom, why do we have to get up just as the sun comes out?" Ali asked, rubbing his eyes.
Mom led Ali to the window and pointed at the grass outside, adorned with dew: "Look, don't the dewdrops in the morning light look like little stars? If we wake up late, Grandpa Sun will take them away."
Mom taught Ali to recognize the edible berries in the forest—which red ones were the sweetest, and which ones, though a bit sour, could give the little fox more strength.
"Remember what these berries look like, Ali," Mom said softly. "But remember even more to leave some for the birds when picking; that is the rule of the forest."
When it rained, Ali and Mom hid in the warm log cabin. Rainwater drummed on the roof, making pitter-patter sounds. Ali was a little afraid of thunder, and whenever it happened, Mom would use her warm, big tail to wrap Ali up completely.
"Listen, the raindrops are singing to us," Mom said softly. "As for the thunder, those are the clouds whispering to each other—they're just getting a bit too excited."
Ali felt incredibly safe inside Mom's tail and gradually stopped being afraid.
Mom also taught Ali to know their friends in the forest.
"Treat your friends with sincerity, Ali," Mom said. "Just like how spring treats seeds—patiently and warmly."
One day, Ali noticed his tail was fiery red, just like Mom's.
"Mom, why are our tails red?" Ali tilted his head and asked.
Mom smiled gently and lightly circled the little fox with her tail: "Because red is the color of the sun and fire. The sun makes everything grow, and fire brings warmth. Our tails remind us to be like the sun and fire, bringing warmth and vitality to the world."
Ali nodded, only half-understanding, but he liked the answer very much. He watched his and Mom's tails shimmering in the sunlight and felt it was the most beautiful color in the world.
Days passed, and Ali grew up slowly under Mom's care. He learned to identify delicious wild berries, understood how to share with friends in the forest, and could even leap happily in light rain, no longer afraid of that bit of thunder.
But one day, when Ali woke up from his dream, he didn't feel Mom's gentle touch. The log cabin was silent; only the morning light shone through the window, painting mottled spots of light on the floor.
"Mom?" Ali called out softly.
There was no response.
Ali searched every corner of the log cabin, then ran to the brook, to the berry bushes, and to the small hillside where they often went to watch the stars. But Mom was nowhere to be found.
Night fell, and Ali sat alone by the cabin door, watching the sky slowly darken. The first star twinkled in the night sky, then the second, the third... soon, the entire sky was filled with brilliant starlight.
Ali suddenly remembered what Mom had said: "When we can't see each other, just look up at the sky. Whether it's day or night, we are always under the same sky."
A particularly bright star shone in the night sky; its light was warm and familiar, just like Mom's gaze.
[Chapter Two: What is Death?]
[Illustration: Nighttime, a warm-toned room, a star-shaped nightlight emitting a soft glow. Little Ali in pajamas is curled up in Mom's warm embrace, his two furry paws tightly clutching the hem of her clothes. Mom holds him gently, her chin resting lightly on Ali's forehead, her eyes filled with endless love. Outside the window, the crescent moon is curved, and a few small stars twinkle.]
At night, Ali and Mom lay together. Ali looked up, his red fur appearing exceptionally soft under the nightlight, and he whispered: "Mom, what is 'death'?"
Mom gently patted Ali's back and thought for a moment, her voice as soft as moonlight: "That's a very difficult question to answer, Ali. It means... leaving for a while."
Ali blinked his big eyes: "Then when will you come back?"
Mom was silent for a moment, holding him a little tighter: "Hmm... maybe a long time..."
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