
Tale twist

Casy and the Busy Anthill
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The Frantic Ant
Casy wiggled along a sunny patch of grass, enjoying the soft breeze tickling her antennae. Suddenly, she stopped. A small, shiny ant zipped past her feet, carrying a crumb twice his size.
“Whoa! Slow down!” Casy called, watching the ant struggle.
“No time! Busy, busy!” the ant huffed, his legs scrambling as the crumb wobbled dangerously.
Casy tilted her head. “What’s the rush?”
The ant paused, puffing out tiny breaths. “I’m Andy. I’ve got food to carry, tunnels to guard, and—” he pointed with a leg, “those little ants won’t stop following me! I think they’re lost!”
Casy blinked at the chaos. A trail of younger ants zigzagged in all directions. “Aren’t others helping?”
Andy stomped a leg. “I can handle it! I’m strong. I’m fast. I’m—whoops!” He tripped, sending the crumb rolling.
Casy giggled. “Strong and fast, huh?”
Andy glared but then sighed. “Maybe just too much to do.”
Casy watched as the younger ants huddled around Andy. “Looks like they think you’re the boss.”
“I don’t need help!” Andy muttered, dragging the crumb back upright.
Casy smiled. “Well, Andy, it seems you’re a very busy ant. Let’s see how this works out.”
Andy hurried off, and Casy followed, curious.