Chris the little ant argued with his family. “I’ll build my own anthill,” he huffed. He marched toward a tall fir. Beetle Bloom, horns gleaming, blocked his path. “No trespassing,” Bloom grumbled.

Chris squeezed past Bloom. Ladybird Lila fluttered down. “Ants boss everyone,” Lila said. Dragonfly Sue hovered, beautiful. “Beetles stomp; ants pinch,” Sue added. “I just need a home,” Chris said.

Rain splashed suddenly; a puddle swirled. “The fir roots will drown!” Chris cried. Bloom braced a leaf dam. “I’ll dig channels,” Chris said. Sue and Lila ferried twigs; water drained.

Lila smiled. “You’re brave, Chris.” “Maybe we misjudged you,” Sue said. “Let’s build together,” Bloom rumbled. They packed sand, stacked needles, and shaped tunnels. Chris chirped, “Friends, welcome to our fir anthill!”