Bani and the Cloud That Forgot the Way

After rain, Bani found a tiny Cloud dripping into one puddle. “I have forgotten where water goes next,” it sighed.

Sunshine warmed the pond and invisible water vapour rose. Water could travel upward even when Bani could barely see it.

High above, the vapour cooled into tiny droplets. They gathered together and gave the Cloud its fluffy shape again.

A gentle wind carried them over the hills. Bani learned that moving air helps clouds travel.

Above the cool forest, the droplets grew heavy and fell as rain. The Cloud had not vanished; it was sharing water.

Rain fed roots, filled streams and washed dusty leaves. Some water soaked into soil and some hurried onward.

The stream returned to the pond. There was no final stop: sunshine would warm the water and begin the journey again.

At sunset the Cloud remembered: evaporation, cloud, rain and runoff. Bani smiled at the water cycle turning on and on.