In a snug little den beneath the garden shed lived two fox sisters — Millie and Mable. Every night, the whole city was theirs.

“I’m the fastest fox in the city!” boasted Millie, puffing out her chest. Mable just smiled.

“Then race me,” said Mable, “to the river — before the moon climbs high.” “Too easy!” laughed Millie.

By the old oak they lined up. Ready… steady… GO! Millie shot off like a little red rocket.

Down the high street she flew, past the dark and sleeping shops. “I’ll win in no time!”

Far behind, Mable trotted on, slow and steady. “Good evening,” she said to a sleepy hedgehog.

Then Millie smelled something wonderful — a chip-shop bin! “Just a little snack first,” she said.

Full and warm, she found a cosy car bonnet. “Just a teeny rest,” she yawned.

And before the moon had cleared the rooftops, Millie was fast, fast asleep.

Steady Mable padded past the chip shop. She did not stop. On and on she went.

Through the allotments she trotted, past the runner beans and the old watering can.

Over the railway bridge she went, with the whole city twinkling far below.

Still Millie slept, dreaming of winning, while the moon rose higher and higher.

Along the quiet canal padded Mable, where the ducks were tucked up tight.

Across the hushed market square, where every stall was closed for the night.

Then — Millie woke with a start. The moon was high! “Oh no, oh no!” she gasped.

She ran and ran, faster than she had ever run, her paws barely touching the ground.

But there by the river sat Mable, calm in the moonlight. Steady Mable had won.

Millie flopped down, puffing. Mable just smiled and shared a sweet blackberry. “Side by side is best,” she said.

So home they trotted, and curled up nose to tail. Slow and steady, together. Goodnight, Millie. Goodnight, Mable.