The Tracks Beside Rimu Creek

At the edge of a beech forest, a huge, furry creature called Bigfoot lived beneath a rocky ledge. He was careful not to frighten anyone, so he watched the nearby village from a distance. One misty morning, Mere and Sione followed a trail beside Rimu Creek. They were looking for a lost kite when the track split in two. Before long, they could no longer see the village—or the kite. Bigfoot spotted the children’s small footprints in the damp soil. He followed them through the trees and found Mere and Sione sheltering beneath a fallen log. A fast-rising stream had cut off their way back. Bigfoot carried them across on a broad branch, then walked with them until they reached the village path. The villagers were surprised to see the giant beside the children. They had heard strange noises in the forest and had feared the worst. Mere and Sione explained how Bigfoot had helped them. The villagers thanked him, and Bigfoot gave a shy wave before returning to his forest home.