A small cloud shaped like a boat floated onto the pond, and Pip and Clover climbed in.
On Tuesday morning, the sky over the pond was bright and blue, and the water was calm like a mirror. Pip the hedgehog and Clover the rabbit were walking by the pond when they saw something strange. A small white cloud, shaped just like a boat, was drifting down from the sky.
"Climb in, if you like," said a soft voice from the cloud. The two friends were not sure at first. But the cloud boat looked gentle, so they stepped inside and sat down side by side.
The cloud boat floated slowly over the water. Pip and Clover waved to their friends on the shore. Two squirrels, a bear cub, two raccoons, and two deer all waved back. Red and gold leaves fell around them, and the whole pond looked like a painting.
After a short ride, the cloud boat touched the water softly. "Thank you!" said Pip, still smiling. The little cloud became thinner and thinner, and it slowly disappeared into the blue sky.
This story is fiction.
A 13-year-old girl named Neha Blunt, from Marlton, New Jersey, built a free website called Water Savers. It teaches people easy ways to stop wasting water at home.
Neha got the idea after she learned that one leaking faucet can waste more than 2,000 gallons (about 7,500 liters) of water in a month. She spent seven months teaching herself computer coding to build the site.
Water Savers has games, short videos, and simple tips. So far, it has reached more than 1 million people around the world, and many families have changed small daily habits because of it.
In September, Neha won third place in the International Young Eco-Hero Awards for her work. She is now helping her local water company make an even better version of the website.
Source: Yahoo Lifestyle
Tuesday brings a mix of sun and cloud across Japan, with rain chances rising later in the day, especially in the south.
In Fukuoka and Sapporo, it is a good idea to bring an umbrella, because rain may come later. In Tokyo and Osaka, light clothes should be fine for the warm afternoon.
Forecast by: Japan Meteorological Agency, forecast issued October 12, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
A group of sweet potato fans in Kawagoe, Saitama, chose October 13 for Sweet Potato Day. October is when sweet potatoes taste best. The date also comes from an old saying that calls sweet potatoes "13 ri," because people thought they tasted almost as good as chestnuts, plus a little more.
Source: zatsuneta.com
On this day, Emperor Meiji arrived at Edo Castle after moving from Kyoto. People later marked this day as Moving Day (Hikkoshi no Hi) in Japan. The castle itself was renamed, and the city around it later became known as Tokyo, Japan's new capital.
Source: nnh.to
On this day, British writer Michael Bond published his first book about a small bear from "deepest, darkest Peru." The book was called A Bear Called Paddington. Paddington Bear became famous around the world, and children still read his stories today.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Horoscopes are just for fun. Signs are listed by today's luck.
Overall This is a lucky day, and good news may find you.
Money A small gift or treat brings you joy today.
Love Your warm words make someone smile today.
Lucky color Sky blue
Lucky item A small bell
Overall Good things come to you when you stay calm and patient.
Money A careful plan helps you save a little today.
Love Someone close to you says something kind.
Lucky color Green
Lucky item A warm mug
Overall An outdoor walk brings fresh energy to your day.
Money A good idea today helps you save a little.
Love Share a funny story, and everyone laughs together.
Lucky color Turquoise
Lucky item A small map
Overall Your careful work today brings a good result later.
Money A little extra care keeps your money safe.
Love Honest words bring you closer to a friend.
Lucky color Beige
Lucky item A clean handkerchief
Overall A small change in your plan brings a nice surprise today.
Money Think before you spend on something new today.
Love A short chat with a friend lifts your mood.
Lucky color Orange
Lucky item A small notebook
Overall Steady steps help you finish an old task today.
Money A small plan keeps your spending on track.
Love A kind word helps a tired friend feel better.
Lucky color Brown
Lucky item A warm scarf
Overall Try something new, even if it feels a little hard.
Money A simple idea helps you spend more wisely.
Love Listen closely when a friend shares a story.
Lucky color Gold
Lucky item A small mirror
Overall Balance work and rest, and the day goes smoothly.
Money Share something small, and feel good about it.
Love A gentle smile says more than words today.
Lucky color Lavender
Lucky item A soft scarf
Overall A new idea pops into your head, so write it down.
Money Check your plans before buying anything today.
Love An honest chat brings you and a friend closer.
Lucky color Light blue
Lucky item A small pen
Overall Today may feel slow, so take small steps and rest well.
Money Wait before you buy something you do not need.
Love A quiet moment with family feels nice today.
Lucky color Gray
Lucky item A soft pillow
Overall Take things slowly today, and do not rush.
Money Wait a little before spending on something new.
Love A calm talk helps you understand a friend better.
Lucky color Dark red
Lucky item A small stone
Overall Rest if you feel tired, and tomorrow will feel better.
Money Keep your coins safe in a small box today.
Love Family time feels warm and comfortable tonight.
Lucky color Silver
Lucky item A cup of warm tea
Should is a helper verb. It tells someone what is a good idea, in a soft and friendly way.
B. We do not use "to" after should: should rest, not should to rest.
Answer: B. We do not use "to" after should: should rest, not should to rest.
Tuesday evening, Lyn came home later than usual. The hotel had been busy, and her feet ached a little from standing all day.
"Welcome home," Linda called from the kitchen. "Look what I found at the market." On the counter sat a small paper bag, full of round brown chestnuts.
Lyn peeked inside and smiled. "For this weekend?" she asked, dropping her bag by the door.
"For this weekend," Linda agreed. "One more practice, just like we said. Then the cake will be perfect for John."
Star trotted over, sniffing at the paper bag with great interest. "Not for you, Star," Lyn laughed, scratching behind the dog's ears. "Chestnuts are not for dogs."
Pinkysan jumped up onto a kitchen chair and watched quietly, her green eyes following every chestnut as Linda rolled them gently across the counter.
"The leaves on the persimmon tree are turning orange already," said Linda, glancing out the window. "Autumn is moving fast this year."
"It is," said Lyn softly. She thought about the calendar on the wall, and the circle drawn around a Friday in November. Only a few weeks left now.
"Let's wash these tonight," Linda said, "so Saturday morning we can start right away."
Lyn nodded, rolling up her sleeves. Star lay down by the door, watching the two of them work, while Pinkysan curled up on the warm chair, half asleep but still close.
"Do you remember what went wrong last time?" Lyn asked, picking up a chestnut and turning it in her fingers.
"Not enough butter, and we rushed the oven," Linda said. "This time, we will be patient. Slow and careful, like Grandma used to say."
Lyn laughed. "Slow and careful. I will try to remember that, even when I am excited."
"You always get excited before guests come," Linda said, smiling as she filled a bowl with water for the chestnuts. "But that is a good thing. It means you care."
Outside, the evening air smelled faintly of fallen leaves. Inside, the kitchen smelled of chestnuts, and of a weekend everyone was looking forward to.
(To be continued)