On a warm, sunny afternoon, deep in the jungle, a big, strong lion named Leo was taking a nap. He had stretched out under a shady tree, his giant paws tucked beneath him, and he was snoring softly.

Nearby, a tiny mouse named Pip was scurrying about, looking for tasty seeds. Pip was so busy searching that he didn't see the giant, furry hill in front of him. Oops! Without looking, Pip ran right over Leo’s big, furry nose!

Leo woke up with a giant SNEEZE! Then a GRUMBLE! He opened one huge eye and saw little Pip trembling on his paw.
"Well, well, what have we here?" roared Leo, his voice like thunder (but not too scary thunder). He gently closed his paw around the tiny mouse.

"Oh, please, King Leo!" squeaked Pip, his whiskers twitching. "I didn't mean to wake you! I was just looking for my lunch. If you let me go, I promise I’ll help you someday, somehow!"

Leo chuckled. A deep, rumbly chuckle. "You? Help me? A tiny thing like you helping the King of the Jungle? That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day!" But Leo was in a good mood (after his nap, mostly). "Alright, little one. Run along. And try not to tickle any more noses!" He opened his paw, and Pip scampered away as fast as his little legs could carry him.

A few weeks later, Leo was strolling through the trees, not paying much attention. Suddenly, WHOOSH! A strong rope net, hidden by hunters, dropped from above and tangled him up! Leo twisted and turned, but the more he struggled, the tighter the ropes became. He let out a mighty ROAR, so loud it shook the leaves on the trees. It was a sad and scared roar.

Pip, who was nearby gathering berries, heard the roar. "That sounds like Leo!" he thought. "And he sounds like he’s in trouble!"

Pip bravely followed the sound until he saw a heartbreaking sight: Leo, the mighty lion, trapped and helpless.
"Don’t worry, Leo!" squeaked Pip. "I’m here!" And without wasting a moment, Pip started to gnaw at the thick ropes with his sharp little teeth. Nibble, nibble, chew, chew.

It took a while, because the ropes were strong and Pip was small. But he kept going, one rope at a time. Nibble, nibble, chew, chew.

Finally, with a last little SNAP, the main rope broke! Leo could stretch, and soon he was completely free.

Leo looked down at the tiny mouse with new eyes. "Pip," he said, his voice soft and grateful, "you saved me. I laughed when you said you could help me, but you did. You’re a true friend."

Pip just smiled. "Even little friends can do big things, King Leo!"

And from that day on, the big, strong lion and the tiny, brave mouse were the best of friends, proving that kindness, no matter how small, is never wasted.

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