Nim was a tiny mouse, full of glee, happiest when playing in the meadow carefree. Her friend Tim had a bright red ball, the best toy ever, the greatest of all.

Bounce, bounce, the ball went high, through the trees, up to the sky. Nim was giggling, her heart so light, until—oh no!—the ball took flight!

It rolled and rolled, far away it went. Nim looked around, wonder where it was sent. She searched the bushes and under the trees, whispering softly, 'Come back, please!'

Oh, poor Nim felt so dread, her heart filled with worry and a bit of dread. ‘What will Tim say? Will he be mad? I lost his ball, and that's so bad!’

She paced and pondered, her mind in a whirl. But then she thought, 'I'll be a brave little girl. I'll tell Tim the truth, no more fuss. It's better this way, I must, I must!'

With a sigh and a gulp, Nim found Tim near. 'I have something to tell you,' she said with fear. Tim smiled gently, 'What is wrong, Nim dear?'

‘I lost your ball; it went so far. I couldn't find it, not near or far. I'm so sorry, I hope you're not mad. Losing your ball makes me so sad.’

Tim thought a moment, then with a grin, ‘Mistakes happen, Nim, it's not such a sin. Let's look together, with four eyes we'll see, and I'm sure we'll find where it might be!’

Through bushes and brambles, over hills so steep, Nim and Tim searched in a game of hide-and-seek. And then they heard a funny little ‘bop’, and there was the ball with a hop, hop, hop!

They laughed and cheered, what a happy end. Nim smiled wide, so grateful for her friend. From that day on, they played with glee, always together, happy as can be!

So remember, dear reader, to always tell the truth. It shows you're brave, and that's the greatest proof. Friends forgive, and they love you too, no matter what, they're always there for you!