Hattie Hare loved playing in the meadow with her friends. As the other hares bounded along, she tried to keep up, but having been born with back legs she couldn’t move, she simply couldn’t join in fully. Still, Hattie was a positive little hare. She rarely complained, and nothing held her back. She had a kind heart and wonderful friends.

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As Sports Day approached—Hattie’s toughest day of the year—she couldn’t help but feel a little sad. She dreamt of competing. She had worked hard to build strength in her arms, but without the bounce of her legs, she didn’t stand a chance. So, she cheered from the sidelines with the biggest smile she could manage.

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The following week was Hattie’s birthday, and her friends had planned something special. They threw her a surprise party with cake, balloons, and games like Pin the Tail on the Bunny and Musical Hares. At the end, they told her to close her eyes. She heard wheels turning.

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“Open your eyes!” they shouted.

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In front of her stood a shiny wooden frame with two large wheels.

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Her friends gently placed her in it, secured the straps, and watched as she began to roll forward. Wobbly at first, then faster and faster, until everyone watching got dizzy.

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“Now you can race us at Sports Day!” they cheered. Hattie’s eyes filled with happy tears.

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Though the other hares were still quicker, Hattie could finally keep up. For the first time, she was truly part of the fun.

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Every morning before school, she lapped the meadow, trying to beat her personal best. She worked harder than ever, always thinking of Sports Day.

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When it arrived, Hattie was thrilled to be at the starting line. Her heart pounded with excitement. The whistle blew and the hares bounded off. Hattie focused on the finish line.

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“I can do this,” she told herself.

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She pushed harder and faster, gradually catching up. As they reached the finish line, she was nose to nose with another; it was a photo finish.

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The judges deliberated as the crowd waited in silence. Finally, an announcement came from the speaker.

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“The winner is HATTIE HARE!”

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The crowd exploded. Hattie had done it. As she took her victory lap, she knew this was just the beginning.

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Soon, Hattie raced for the school, the county, and even in the Harelympics, where she won gold. But she didn’t stop there. She wanted to give back.

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She called a forest meeting. She wasn’t sure who would come, but hundreds of animals showed up—even Grumpy Toad.

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Hattie stood tall. “I want to open a forest hospital to help animals like me.”

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Without hesitation, every paw in the crowd went up to volunteer.

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The next day, they got to work. Beavers built wooden frames. Mice and rats crafted smooth wheels. Woodpeckers drilled, and squirrels and rabbits gathered twigs and acorns for nuts and bolts. Bees donated honey as glue, and spiders spun silk for bindings. Snakes, toads, badgers, and foxes searched for the best forest medicines. Working together, they returned with powerful natural remedies.

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When the hospital was ready, every animal had a role. Owls searched the forest for creatures in need. Deer carried them gently. Bears gave the warmest hugs and nursed them with care. To lift spirits, nightingales sang, Tortoise read stories, Llama ran drama club, and of course, Hattie led joyful races.

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Hattie smiled as she looked at everything she had achieved and all the lives she had helped.

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She may not be able to bounce like the others, but she had built something truly special—and that felt perfect.