A small snail named Pearl did not give up, and the whole forest cheered for her at the finish line.
On Friday, Enchanted Forest held its yearly Long Path Race. The race goes from Mossy Hill to the pond. Fast animals like rabbits and squirrels ran first. Everyone waited at the finish line with a long ribbon.
A small snail named Pearl joined the race, too. She moved slowly along the path. One rabbit looked back and laughed, "She will never finish!" But Pearl did not stop. She moved one step at a time.
The fast animals finished quickly. Some of them went home early. But Owl stayed by the finish line. "A race is not only for the fast," he said. "Let's wait for our friend." Soon, more animals came back to watch.
After a long time, Pearl reached the last hill. The sun was going down, but she kept moving. Finally, she crossed the ribbon. All the animals clapped and cheered. A little hedgehog ran up and gave her a small flower.
Pearl smiled. "I am slow," she said, "but I never stopped." Owl nodded. "That is why you win our hearts today," he said. Everyone agreed: finishing with a happy heart is a kind of winning, too.
This story is fiction.
High in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, a big bird called the Andean condor is making a comeback. Condors are some of the largest flying birds in the world. For many years, farmers in one village saw condors as enemies and killed them to protect their sheep.
One farmer, Doris Torres, changed her mind. She learned how important condors are for nature. Condors eat dead animals and help keep the mountains clean. Ms. Torres began to protect the birds instead of hunting them. Soon, other villagers joined her.
The change is working. In 2022, people counted only 21 condors in the area. This year, they counted 40. A baby condor named Lulu also hatched and learned to fly next to her parents. Scientists are watching her grow.
The Andean condor is still an endangered bird. But thanks to the village, more condors are living safely in the mountains today.
Source: Colombia One, Mongabay
Friday will be mostly sunny across Japan, though Sapporo and Fukuoka may see more clouds later in the day.
It is a good day for outdoor activities. A light jacket is enough in the morning.
Forecast by: Japan Meteorological Agency, forecast issued October 7, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
October 9 is World Post Day. In 1874, representatives from 22 countries met in Bern, Switzerland, and agreed to make it easier to send mail between countries. This agreement created what is now called the Universal Postal Union. In 1969, the UPU chose October 9 as a special day to celebrate postal workers around the world.
Source: Wikipedia: World Post Day
Every year on October 9 and 10, the city of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture holds the Takayama Autumn Festival. People pull eleven large, beautifully carved floats called yatai through the old streets. At night, paper lanterns light up the floats, and flute and drum music fills the town.
The second Friday of October is World Egg Day, and in 2026 that day is October 9. It began in 1996 to celebrate the egg as a simple, healthy food. Around the world, people share recipes and learn how eggs are made, from farm to table.
Horoscopes are just for fun. Signs are listed by today's luck.
Overall Your energy is high today, and good things come quickly your way.
Money A small surprise brings you extra pocket money today.
Love Your bright smile makes a new friend today.
Lucky color Scarlet red
Lucky item A running shoe
Overall Careful work pays off, and someone notices your effort today.
Money Keep a simple list before you spend any money.
Love A quiet chat brings you closer to a friend.
Lucky color Soft green
Lucky item A small notebook
Overall A calm and steady day helps you finish something important.
Money Save a little today for something bigger later.
Love An honest word means more than a big gift.
Lucky color Deep violet
Lucky item A warm scarf
Overall Home feels extra cozy, and family time makes you happy.
Money A home-cooked meal saves you money today.
Love Family members show you extra kindness today.
Lucky color Pearl white
Lucky item A soft blanket
Overall New ideas come easily, so share them with your friends.
Money A good idea today could save you some money.
Love A fun conversation brightens your whole day.
Lucky color Lemon yellow
Lucky item A notebook pen
Overall Your confidence shines, and people enjoy being around you.
Money Treat yourself to something small, but not too big.
Love Your laughter makes everyone around you feel warm.
Lucky color Golden orange
Lucky item A small mirror
Overall Balance is the key today, between work and rest.
Money Share a snack instead of buying something new.
Love A fair and kind word solves a small problem.
Lucky color Soft pink
Lucky item A pair of earrings
Overall Slow and steady steps bring you closer to your goal.
Money A simple plan keeps your money safe today.
Love Patience brings you closer to someone you like.
Lucky color Charcoal gray
Lucky item A wristwatch
Overall A new idea surprises you in the afternoon.
Money Think twice before you buy something new today.
Love A friend asks for your honest opinion.
Lucky color Sky blue
Lucky item A pair of headphones
Overall Today moves slowly, so enjoy the little things around you.
Money Keep your coins safe in a small box today.
Love A gentle smile says more than many words.
Lucky color Warm brown
Lucky item A cup of cocoa
Overall Rest well today, and tomorrow will feel much better.
Money Do not lend money to anyone today.
Love A quiet moment alone helps clear your mind.
Lucky color Sea blue
Lucky item A soft pillow
Overall Things may feel slow, but stay cheerful and keep trying.
Money Wait before you spend on something big.
Love A small kindness today is remembered tomorrow.
Lucky color Forest green
Lucky item A compass
Some and any help us talk about amounts without an exact number.
Some. (We often use SOME in offers, even in a question, because we expect the answer to be "yes.")
Answer: Some. (We often use SOME in offers, even in a question, because we expect the answer to be "yes.")
A few days later, Linda came in from the garden with the mail. "Lyn! A letter from John!" she called.
Lyn ran from the kitchen, drying her hands on a towel. She opened the envelope carefully. Inside was a photo of a red maple leaf and a short letter.
"He says yes!" Lyn said, her eyes bright. "He is coming in November. He wants to see the red leaves with us."
Linda clapped her hands. "Wonderful! Which weekend?"
Lyn checked the letter again. "The second weekend. He will arrive on Friday night."
Star ran in circles around the kitchen table, her tail wagging fast. "I think Star understood you," Linda laughed.
Pinkysan jumped onto the chair and looked at the photo of the maple leaf. She touched it gently with one paw, as if she were checking it was real.
"We should plan something special," Lyn said. "Something better than last time."
"I know the perfect place," Linda said. "Nara Park has beautiful red leaves in November. We can walk under the maple trees, and maybe the deer will come say hello, too."
"John will love that," Lyn said. "Should we make something sweet for him again?"
"Of course," said Linda. "But this time, let's try something new. Maybe a chestnut cake instead of persimmon."
"Chestnut cake," Lyn repeated slowly. "That sounds perfect for November."
That evening, Lyn wrote John's visit on the kitchen calendar in blue pen. She drew a small red leaf next to the date.
Star sniffed at the calendar and barked once, happily.
"Yes, Star," Lyn said, smiling. "We are all ready to welcome him."
Pinkysan curled up on the warm windowsill, her green eyes half closed. Outside, the first maple leaves on the tree by the gate were just beginning to turn red.
"November feels far away," Lyn said quietly, "but I think it will come quickly."
Linda nodded. "Good things always do."
(To be continued)