At some point, Marcia began to sing. Her voice was strangely powerful as it fluttered through the trees like a leaf in the wind. Then Jonah joined in. His voice was loud and striking, like a bird’s wings beating. The trees swayed as though dancing and the wildlife sang along in unison. Gruff grinned as he listened to the two teens:

By day we sing, 

And night we fight

Here within the forest.

The song we sing 

A joyful tune 

Ladada dada da.

When night arrives 

protect your life, 

danger’s in

the forest.

Adventurer’s past 

They come to life 

Returning to

The forest.

They guard 

The night 

To people’s Fright,

Stay safe,

Beware

the forest.

“Hey Gruffy, why don’t you sing with us? Do you not know this song?”

Gruff’s cheeks burned as he shook his head ‘no.’

“Well—” Jonah rested his elbow on Gruff’s head. “I guess it can’t be helped. I’ll have to teach it to you.”

Gruff gripped his tattered shirt. His ears burned as the two teens looked at him. “I-I don’t think I can.”

“Man, Gruff, you’re bright red!” Jonah said. 

“Don’t be mean,” Marcia whacked him.

The teen boy’s lips twisted into a devious smile. Flinging his pack from his shoulders, he started rummaging through it. 

“Here it is,” Jonah declared as he held up a wooden block. The pale boy moved closer to Gruff, shoving the object in the younger boy’s face.

“What am I supposed to do with this?” Gruff pushed the block away.

“It’s a harmonica,” Jonah said.

Gruff stared at the older boy, tilting his head to one side. Jonah sighed. He held the block up to his mouth and blew. A shrill chirping sound escaped it.

Gruff covered his ears as the sound grew louder. “Stop it, it sounds bad.”

Jonah’s bleached-white face tinted red. He rubbed the back of his head. “Sorry, I’m not good at playing the harmonica. But you should try it.”

Jonah shoved the object into Gruff’s face once more. Gruff held it gently in his hands. He slowly raised it to his lips, giving Jonah a side eye as he blew. A gentle note awoke the forest, and the birds joined in. Startled, Gruff dropped the instrument.

“Do you want me to teach you a song?” Marcia asked, picking up the harmonica and handing it back to Gruff.

“No fair, I was going to teach him.” Jonah crossed his arms.

Gruff waved his arms wildly. “No thanks. I want Marcia to teach me.”

Marcia stuck her tongue out. “I win!”

“This time.” Jonah blew raspberries back at her.