The wind howled through the trees as Fred and Tom battled against the fierce storm. Their feathers were soaked through as they flew toward their destination, having left the cold days of Europe behind for the warmer climate of Africa. They had made this journey many times before, but this storm was unlike any they had encountered.
"Keep going, Tom!" Fred called back to his friend, who was struggling to maintain his speed. "We can't stop now; we need to find shelter!"
Tom's wings were heavy with rain. "You go ahead," he gasped. "I'll catch up!"
Fred, concerned for his friend, slowed his pace and allowed Tom to fly directly behind him, creating a slipstream that reduced the harsh wind's impact. This small act of kindness gave Tom the energy he needed to continue.
Suddenly, a brilliant flash of lightning illuminated the sky, revealing a massive yellowwood tree standing tall in the forest below.
"Tom, look!" Fred shouted excitedly. "Let's see if we can find a place in that tree to wait out the storm!"
They headed toward the yellowwood tree, searching desperately for a hole in the trunk or any form of shelter. The wind blew so hard they could barely see, and broken branches flew all around them.
Tom's sharp eyes spotted a dark opening in the trunk. "Fred! Down there!" he called. "I see a hollow!"
With renewed hope, they dived toward the entrance. Just as safety was within reach, Tom was suddenly blown off course and collapsed onto a nearby branch, only meters from the hollow.
Fred circled back in confusion. "Come on, Tom," he urged. "This isn't the time for a rest!"
Tom lifted his left wing with difficulty. Even in the dim light, Fred could see the problem, a twig as thick as a pencil, had been driven into Tom's wing by the powerful wind.
"Oh no!" Fred gasped, immediately understanding the danger. If Tom couldn't fly, he could easily be blown from the branch.
Without hesitation, Fred positioned himself as a windbreak, spreading his wings like an umbrella to shield Tom from the fierce gusts. Together, they inched along the branch toward the hollow until, at last, they tumbled inside to safety.
Tom shook the water from his feathers and looked at his friend with gratitude shining in his eyes. "That's the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me," he said softly. "I think you saved my life."
Fred rustled his feathers, embarrassed by the praise. "It was nothing," he replied. "You would have done the same for me. That's what friends are for."
The hollow was surprisingly spacious and dry. As the storm raged outside, the two birds settled down to rest and catch their breath, the scent of old wood surrounding them like a comforting blanket.
After a while, Fred approached his injured friend. "We need to look at that wing, Tom," he said gently. "That twig has to come out."
Tom nodded bravely, though his eyes with filled with fear. "Will it hurt?"
"Probably," Fred admitted. "But not as much as leaving it in. You're going to have to be brave while I try to remove it."
Fred took the twig in his beak and pulled with all his might. The branch was wedged tightly, and despite twisting and flapping his wings, it wouldn't budge. Tom winced but was determined not to show his pain.
After several attempts, Fred had to admit defeat. The twig was stuck, and Tom couldn't fly with it in his wing. Both birds were tired and weary.
"We'll figure something out," Fred promised, his voice firm with determination despite his uncertainty. "Just rest for now."
As Tom settled into a deep sleep, Fred peered out at the rain-drenched forest. The storm was beginning to ease. Soon, he would venture outside to look for something, anything, that might help his friend. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Fred was certain of one thing: he wouldn't give up until Tom could fly again. "Oh, Tom," Fred said gently, looking closely at his friend's wing. "We need to take care of this right away."
The situation looked grim. Tom couldn't fly with the twig stuck in his wing, and Fred couldn't remove it. Both birds sat quietly for a moment, catching their breath and wondering what to do next.
What happens next:
As the storm fades, Fred must find a way to help his injured friend, and their journey through Yellowwood Forest is only beginning.
Did your child enjoy this story?
We’ve created a free Fred & Tom colouring-in book to go with the adventure — perfect for quiet time or after bedtime reading.
👉 Enter your email below and we’ll send it to you, along with the next Fred & Tom story.
This chapter is part of a gentle bedtime story series written for children ages 5–10. You can learn more about the Fred and Tom stories on our Bedtime Stories page.