September 6, 2003

John was a young boy of about twelve. His father died in an accident when he was a baby and now his mother had to take care of him and earn money to feed him. She was very poor because no one gave her a job. John did not go to school but looked out for chances to earn some money. John and his mother were so poor that sometimes they had nothing to eat and had to go hungry. But even though they were poor, they were very kind, and always ready to help others.

Once John was roaming around. He had been walking for a long time and he came to the end of his village but he kept on walking. He saw a forest and decided to explore the new place. There were beautiful flowers growing and butterflies fluttered here and there. The trees were very tall and green and grew different fruits. John, who was very hungry as he had eaten nothing since last night, at once climbed a guava tree and plucked a handful of them. He started eating them and found them to be very juicy and delicious so he decided to take some for his mother as well.

But for now he moved ahead. He found a small pond of cool, crystal water. He drank some and it was very good. He moved ahead and saw a small pixie stuck in a trap, struggling to come out. When he saw John, he begged him to help him. John was very surprised and stood there gaping at the pixie. When he came back to his senses he set him free at once. The pixie was very grateful and thanked John again and again. Then it ran away. John thought he was in a bewitched forest. He moved on thinking about the pixie and he thought he might find a gnome or a brownie next.

As he was strolling his eyes caught sight of something metallic in the bushes ahead. When he uncovered it he saw a large chest. Though afraid that it might be something dangerous, his curiosity forced him to open the chest. Luckily, John found the key to its lock lying next to the chest.. When John unlocked the chest he found what he had never expected in his whole life. The chest was full of precious stones, jewels, gold coins, etc. John stared in awe at his find. At first he could not believe his luck. He decided to take it home and show it to his mother. “She’d be so glad and surprised,” he thought. But the question was how to take the treasure home as the chest was very heavy. John couldn’t think of anything so he started stuffing his pockets with as much gold as possible. Then he hid the chest in the bush. Evening had arrived without his noticing it, so he hurried home thinking his mother would be worrying. His mother was indeed worrying for him and horrible thoughts came to her mind.

Meanwhile John was hurrying towards home but couldn’t walk too fast because of the heavy treasure in his pockets. As soon as he reached home he gave his mother a hug and started dancing. His mother asked him what had happened, “It looks as if you have found some treasure,” she said.

John stopped dancing and looked at his mother, “How did you guess mom?” he asked. “I did find treasure but not some, it’s lots and lots of treasure.”

Then he emptied his pockets and showed her the coins and jewels he had found. She was so surprised that she couldn’t utter a word. Then John told her the story behind his find. They were very happy. From then onwards they never had to go hungry. John was admitted to a good school and they lived a comfortable and happy life ever after. But even though they were rich now, they didn’t stop helping others specially the poor.

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