Ian and the Mud Puddle

In rolling green hills surrounded by mountains, there lived a flock of sheep and their kind Shepherd. The Shepherd knew each of his sheep and called them by name. He would lead them to green pastures and quiet streams to drink water. Sometimes, he had to lead the sheep through dark valleys to get to new pastures, but he always watched over his sheep. Among the flock was a young ram named Ian who lived with his mom, dad, brothers, and sisters. He played in the meadows with the other lambs. One of his friends was named Waverly. Ian was a kind-hearted sheep who loved his family and home in the meadow. One hot summer, a drought hit. The sun was scorching the green grass, turning it brown. The sheep were all getting hungry and thirsty. The Shepherd called for his sheep, and they began to follow him. After three days of following the Shepherd over many hills and valleys, the sun was shining high in the sky and Ian was thirsty. None of the other sheep noticed, but a snake slithered up to Ian. Now, Ian’s parents had warned him about snakes and wolves. They told Ian he must stay close to the flock and the Shepherd. But Ian was curious and stopped to listen to the snake.