This is Rhea. Welcome to Little Stories for Tiny People.

Jabar the parrot was supposed to join me today, but he hasn't shown up yet.

I'm disappointed. I reminded him a few times. Is it important to him?

Hmm. Oh, I just got a text message from Jabar. I know. I didn't realize parrots could use phones either.

He says, so so sorry. Sad to say I am stuck in traffic with three exclamation points.

Looks like he caught an Uber and got stuck downtown. Oh, now I feel bad that I doubted him.

Maybe it's for the best because Jabar only knows about 10 phrases, and there's only so many times

you can fit Jabar as a parrot mastermind in a conversation. Coincidentally, our story today is

about how important it is not to make assumptions about people. Sometimes you might find out surprising

things about people you thought you knew and make a new friend along the way. So let's listen to

our story. Brumbly Bear and Strumbly Bear. Remember, since there are no pictures, you have to imagine

the story in your mind. You can imagine it however you want. Okay, here we go.

Sam and Glenn both lived in Bear Town. The two bears passed each other every day.

Sam with a grin, Glenn with a frown. They seemed to be different in every way.

Sam played guitar for the commuters singing sweet refrains. Glenn hunched over among the other

bears as they waited for their trains. Some bears dropped jars of honey into Sam's guitar case,

but trapped hearing those cheerful songs, Glenn just fell out of place. Glenn grumbled to himself.

I can't stand that Strumbly Bear. Always playing happy songs. He's always smiling without a care.

Doesn't he see all that goes on? Life isn't just butter cups and rainbows all the time.

Some of us have worried. As Glenn ambled it down the block, he heard an unusual sound.

It was crying. A bear crying. He came closer and with a shock, he found Strumbly Bear just sitting

there. Sad as sad could be. Leaning next to him was his guitar case. Tears ran down his furry face.

...