The Tale of Lesley and Harley (An Original Children's Story)

in #steemiteducation6 years ago

Image Source


Once upon a time, there was a wealthy miller who had two children -- a six-year-old boy named Harley, and a thirteen-year-old girl named Lesley. They were happily living together in their home, until the miller's wife died due to an incurable incurable disease. Since then, everything had changed in the house. The miller had resorted to all kinds of gambling and would seldom come home to even check his children. For him, his life had come to an end the day his wife died.

At home, Lesley -- the elder child -- had strived to learn how to cook and wash their clothes. Harley was assigned by her sister to keep the house livable, or clean, at least. The children have agreed to split the chores between them because they had no one else to turn to. Their mother's death had been so painful and so sudden, and with their father's absence, they felt like they've lost him too.

After some time, because of their father's habits, they ran out of money and had to sell the house. The miller had left them altogether with nothing but their clothes and shoes. They meant nothing to him anymore. But Lesley knew that she had to be strong for her little brother. She tried her hardest not to cry, and instead, she took her brother's tiny hands and assured him that as long as they had each other, everything will be fine.

For days they strayed along the great forest, hoping to find the path to the neighboring town. On the way, they picked up fruits, edible leaves and twigs to fill their growling stomachs, and slept on rocks during the cold nights. They were already tired and hungry for being in the forest for days, but they still couldn't find the way out.

One day, as they continued on their journey, they saw an old man who had grimy clothes and walked without anything to cover his feet. The children felt sorry for the old man. They both decided to give him one of each of the shoes they were wearing, and a jacket for the cold night ahead.

"Bless you, good-hearted children!," the old man said. "I have not worn a single shoe all my life. But what are you two doing in this big forest?"

"You're welcome, Mister. We are heading to the next town to seek our fortune," it was Harley who replied to him. "But we've been here for days and we still couldn't find our way."

"It is very difficult to cross this forest, my dears. Why would you want to do such thing?"

The children began to tell the old man their sad fate, but the truth was, the old man had known everything all along.

He found the children when they first started on their journey and knew right away that something was wrong. You see, the old man was one of the guardians of the said forest. He had witnessed how the children took care of each other, and decided that if they could pass the test of humility, he will help them in every way he can.

After the children have finished telling their tale, the old man gave them an old key and told them to go home. "You deserve to have your lives back. Go home, but make sure to still look-out after each other. Stay humble and kind to others, and for sure the heavens will be more than pleased to help you always.

The children thanked the old man and took the key from him. And although they were a little hesitant, they followed his advise. Surprisingly, it didn't take long for them to find their house. It looked the same, except for the new locks that were probably installed by the family who had bought it. Using the key that the old man had given them, they opened the door and was surpised to see that the house was exactly theirs, except that it was filled with gold and gems of different shapes and sizes.

The children never found their old friend again. After everything that happened, they were finally able to take back their father's mill as well. The miller never came back, but the children lived happily with each other until they've both grown up and had their own respective families.



Sort:  

You have been upvoted by the @sndbox-alpha! Our curation team is currently formed by @jeffbernst, @bitrocker2020, @jrswab & @teachblogger . We are seeking posts of the highest quality and we deem your endeavour as one of them. If you want to get to know more, feel free to check our blog.

Coin Marketplace

STEEM 0.36
TRX 0.12
JST 0.040
BTC 70744.80
ETH 3561.94
USDT 1.00
SBD 4.80