Leo, a bright-eyed boy, lived away in a cozy corner of a tall lighthouse. He was lovingly called ‘the lighthouse boy’. Every night, he’d peek out the window, mesmerized by the fireflies’ dazzling display; their tiny bodies with a vibrant light, like little suns blinking on and off in the vast darkness. Leo longed to be out there, flitting and twirling with his friends, but his job was different, much more important. He helped keep the big, powerful lighthouse light shining, a guiding signal for ships sailing at sea.
One night, a terrible storm rolled in. The wind cried like a grumpy bear, and rain was hitting hard against the lighthouse windows angrily. Leo watched in worry as the storm whipped the sea into a frenzy, tossing ships about like helpless toys. Suddenly, with a loud pop and a flash, the lighthouse light went out! The darkness outside became almost blinding. Without the guiding light, the ships were in grave danger, at risk of crashing on the sharp rocks below.
Panic gripped Leo’s heart. He knew what he had to do. Even though the lighthouse light was out, he had something else he could use. Rushing to a nearby hook, he grabbed a small, trusty lantern. It wasn’t as powerful as the lighthouse beam, but it held a steady, warm glow. Taking a deep breath, Leo pushed and opened the heavy window and stepped out into the storm’s fury. Salt spray stung his eyes, and the wind threatened to snatch the lantern from his grasp. But Leo held on tight, his small figure standing tall against the violent wind.
Through the battering rain, Leo spotted a ship in the distance, its lights panicked and lost. He raised the lantern high, guiding it back and forth in a steady rhythm. In the distance, the lost ship’s crew spotted the flickering light, a symbol of hope in the chaotic darkness. With renewed hope, they steered away from the rocky shore, guided by Leo’s steady lantern.
By morning, the storm had blown itself out, leaving behind a sparkling sea and a peaceful sky. The rescued ship hooted its horn in gratitude, its crews cheering for the brave boy who had saved them. As the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden light on the lighthouse, Leo stood tall, a sense of accomplishment warming his heart. He might not have been a dazzling firefly, but he had shone his own light, proving that even the smallest of us can make a big difference, especially when courage and a little lantern are in hand.
Writer: Raena Chopra
Grade: 6 (Year 2024)
Place: Dubai, UAE
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