The Best Tooth-Cleaner

"I won't talk to you," the bird huffed, turning its back on the hippo.

"I'm sorry. Please tell me what's wrong so I can make it right," the hippo pleaded.

The bird whipped around. "I saw you! Another bird was cleaning your teeth! I'm your best friend! I'm the one who cleans your teeth!"

The hippo let out a big chuckle. "Oh, that's it! You told me you were going on vacation. But you came back early! And my teeth were so dirty. I had to let a new bird help. She was from the city, and she was very quick. She said she had a special machine."

"A machine?" the bird chirped, suddenly curious.

"Yes! It was a tiny little brush that spun around and made a funny buzzing sound. She cleaned them in a flash. But you know what? It didn't feel as good as when you do it. She didn't hum my favorite song, and she didn't tell me what was happening in the jungle."

The bird flew to the hippo's side, its anger completely gone. "So... did she do a good job?"

"Her work was fine, but a machine can't be a friend," the hippo said, looking at the bird with a gentle smile. "And my best friend is the only one I want cleaning my teeth."