In the heart of a vast, shadowy forest, a wandering musician trudged along a mossy path, his violin slung over his shoulder. “How lonely it is to travel alone,” he sighed. “If only I had a true companion.”

He stopped beneath a towering oak and began to play a haunting melody. The notes drifted through the trees, and soon a wolf crept from the undergrowth, eyes gleaming. “What beautiful music!” said the wolf. “Will you teach me to play?”

The musician smiled slyly. “Of course. But first, let me tie your paws so you can hold the violin properly.” The wolf agreed, and the musician bound his paws tightly to a hollow tree. “Wait here and practice,” he said, and walked away, chuckling.

He played again, and a fox darted from the bushes, tail flicking. “Such sweet music! Will you teach me?”

“Certainly,” said the musician. “But your tail must be tied so it won’t get in the way.” He tied the fox’s tail to a branch and left her there.

Once more, he played, and a hare hopped up, ears twitching. “Please, teach me to play!”

“Gladly,” said the musician. “But your legs must be tied so you can sit still.” He bound the hare’s legs and left him, too.

But the wolf gnawed through the tree, the fox chewed her tail free, and the hare wriggled loose. Together, they chased after the musician, howling and barking.

The musician, hearing the commotion, played his violin with all his heart. The music was so enchanting that the animals forgot their anger. They danced together in the moonlit clearing, friends at last, and the forest rang with laughter and song.