On a small island not far from Australia, in the jungle, baby creatures hatched from eggs: each one in their own nest. One came into the world with a mummy dinosaur, and the other with a mummy platypus.
When the little ones grew a bit stronger, they wanted to find out what interesting things were around them? One day their mums went out to look for food, and the babies decided to have a look around.
Little Dino climbed out of his home. At first he was afraid to go far, but then he heard the birds singing, felt reassured and bravely walked forward.
Everything around him made him happy, until he realised he was lost. Little Dino became frightened and wanted to cry, but he thought: "I can't cry, I'm so big. What if someone sees or hears me ― they'll laugh at me".
He sat down next to a large fern and began to think about what to do next.
Platypus was also enjoying the jungle nature, but after a while realised he couldn't find his way back to the nest. He stopped under a tall fern and cried.
Mum, mum, where are you? I want to go home!
Little Dino looked around and saw a strange creature. He decided to approach it.
Who are you? Why are you crying? ― he asked.
I'm Platypus. I hatched from an egg not long ago. I decided to go for a walk and got lost, ― Platypus sniffled, ― and who are you?
I'm Little Dino. I hatched not long ago too and I'm also lost, ― replied Little Dino. ― Well, why are you crying so loudly? There's no one here but me. You need to calm down.
How can I not cry! I've lost my home and my mum! I'm so small, I'm afraid of everything! ― and Platypus squeaked even louder.
Let me give you a ride on my back. I'm so tall. Maybe you'll see your home, ― decided Little Dino to calm the scaredy-cat.
Platypus, without thinking twice, climbed up Little Dino's tail onto his back and settled in comfortably. The little ones walked through the jungle for a long time. They admired the flowers, vines and bird songs. Suddenly Platypus squeaked with joy.
Home, my home! I can see it, there it is, ahead!
Little Dino quickened his pace, but thought to himself: "It's a shame his home is already found. It was so nice for us to walk together and not scary at all".
When the two rascals got closer, they were very surprised by what they saw: their mums were sitting together!
Where have you two got to, you rascals? Where should we look for you? Surely the crocodiles haven't eaten you? ― the mums wailed.
No, no! ― cried the babies. ― The crocodiles didn't eat us. We're here!
The mums hugged their little ones, scolded them a bit, but were very happy.
Where have you been?
We were just walking around, getting to know the jungle, ― said Platypus bravely, completely forgetting his fears, ― but we won't go there alone again. We give you our word!
It turned out that Little Dino and Platypus lived next door to each other. When it was time to go home, Platypus said to Little Dino: "Let's be friends! You're very brave! You're a real friend!".
Little Dino was very pleased to hear such words, and he decided that he would never be afraid again and would always help the little ones. After all, he was brave!
After this walk, the little ones became very close friends. They often played together, but never went far again, so as not to upset their mums.
