Benjamin Bunny hopped along the sunny garden path, his big floppy ears twitching with excitement. He had heard that his cousin, Peter Rabbit, had gotten into a bit of trouble yesterday and left his jacket and shoes behind in Mr. McGregor’s garden. Benjamin thought this would be the perfect adventure—and an opportunity to show how brave he could be! But first, he’d have to find Peter.
Early that morning, Benjamin found Peter at home, looking very gloomy. Peter’s mother had scolded him for sneaking into the garden, and now he was lying on the floor feeling sorry for himself. Benjamin puffed out his chest, trying to look confident. "Cheer up, Peter! We’ll just go get your things. Mr. McGregor can't be in his garden all the time. It'll be easy as pie!"
Peter was not so sure about Benjamin’s plan, but Benjamin convinced him with a cheeky grin and a promise: "I’ve got it all figured out. Trust me!" Together, they tiptoed toward the edge of Mr. McGregor’s garden.
The rows of vegetables gleamed in the sunlight, and the breeze carried the scent of fresh lettuces and carrots. Peter felt nervous, but Benjamin marched ahead boldly. They spotted Peter’s blue jacket and little shoes hanging on a scarecrow in the middle of the garden. "See? I told you it’d be simple!" said Benjamin, strutting forward.
But just as Benjamin reached up to grab the jacket, a loud rustling sound came from the bushes. Both bunnies froze. Was it Mr. McGregor? They crouched low, holding their breath. Out of the bushes hopped Mrs. Rabbit’s fluffy brown cat, her yellow eyes gleaming. She looked very curious—and slightly mischievous.
Benjamin whispered, "Don’t move," but Peter was already trembling. The cat inched closer, her tail swishing like a whip. Benjamin thought quickly and grabbed a large onion lying nearby. "Shoo, kitty, shoo!" he said, rolling the onion toward her. The cat, startled, pounced on the onion and batted it around like a toy. While she was busy, Benjamin grabbed Peter’s jacket and shoes, and the two bunnies darted behind a row of cabbages.
When they thought the coast was clear, Benjamin gave Peter a teasing grin. "See? That wasn’t so bad! You just need a little courage, Peter." But before Peter could reply, a shadow loomed over them. It was Mr. McGregor! He had his garden hat pulled low and a basket of weeds in his hand. "What are you rabbits doing here?" he growled.
Benjamin gulped. "Run!" he shouted, and both bunnies took off, zigzagging between rows of vegetables. Mr. McGregor chased them, but he wasn’t very fast. The bunnies squeezed under the garden gate just in time, leaving the grumpy gardener muttering to himself.
Safe outside, Benjamin laughed and did a little spin. "See, Peter? Adventure complete!" Peter gave a small smile, relieved to have his jacket and shoes back but still shaken by the close call. As the two cousins headed home, Benjamin said, "Remember, Peter—it’s okay to feel scared sometimes, but a little bravery can make all the difference!"
And from that day on, Peter Rabbit began to think twice before sneaking into gardens, while Benjamin Bunny continued to dream up his next daring escapade.