Meaningful Stories Every Child Should Read
The Brave Little Lantern
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful small village with hills all around. One good boy called Arjun was living there. He was kind to everybody but feared dark. Each evening, he returned to home before sunset and never went outside during the night.
On a rainy night, a severe storm struck the village. The wind blew fiercely, and the rain came down intensely. Eventually, all the lights in the village went out.
Later in the evening, before the villagers had all gone home, word reached everyone that Grandma Meera was very ill. Grandma Meera was a spinster who lived alone at the edge of the village and the village doctor had to see her immediately.5 The pathway to Grandma’s house was unlit and muddy.
Everyone hesitated. The weather was rough and the road was rough.
Arjun sat silently. He felt his pulse racing He was frightened of the dark but he knew GrandmaMeera needed help.
He took a deep breath and grabbed his tiny lantern. "I'll show the doctor," he said.
The villagers were taken aback. Arjun had been afraid of the dark.
The doctor smiled and hurried over. The two of them ran away through the lightning and through the rain. The wind was blowing the Lantern out, but Arjun shielded it with both his hands. The mud was slippery, and strange and fiendish shadows flickered all around them, yet he kept running.
When they came back from walking for a long time. They reached Grandma 'Meera's house. The doctor checked her and gave her themedicine she needed. Later on she was feeling much better than before.
Even after his return, Arjun was given a glorious welcome by the villagers. They lauded him for his courage. Arjun just smiled.
The lantern really helped me… He said.
The village elder said,"No Arjun. The lantern shone brightly, but you proved the true hero."
After few days Grandma Meera came to Arjun. She gave him a Thank-You card and a box of sweets. Arjun took one sweet and shared the rest with other children in the village.
His friend said how come you didn't keep them.
Arjun was smiling. "Sharing what we have can make all of us happy."
From that day, Arjun was remembered for his bravery in overcoming his fear and his give-and-take attitude as well.
Moral of the Story
Real courage is when you are afraid and still say what you must, and real generosity is when you give for the sake of helping others.
