Ngày đăng: 31/05/2024

 

 

Have you ever imagined keeping promises could lead to unexpected fortune? Join us on an incredible journey as we follow Ethan’s story. Let’s find out how his honesty could change his life.

 

***

Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a young boy named Ethan. His mother had passed away during his birth. Because his family was not wealthy, his father had to leave and work in faraway places since he was two. Ethan lived with his grandmother, who loved him so much. She cared for him with all her heart. She raised him to be a nice kid, and he was famous for his honesty and kindness.

Ethan’s honesty and kindness shone brightly in his village. He assisted those in need, respected older people, and treated everyone with warmth without asking for anything back. On one occasion, he gathered the villagers to build a bridge crossing the river, providing a safe passage for children to school. He even risked his life once when he tried to save a farmer from a pack of wolves.

His grandmother was always worried about him. She reminded him hundreds of times to take care of himself first. But Ethan often forgot to follow his grandmother’s advice.

**

One sunny morning, he came across an old man sitting on a bench. Next to him was a wooden box that seemed a hundred years old. The old man wore a weird outfit. He had a pointed green hat, and his cloak was a patchwork of vibrant garments. His shoes featured unusual patterns, making him look unlike any villager Ethan had ever seen.

The old man had deeply lined wrinkles etched on his face, and his eyes held a touch of sorrow. He sighed at certain times, which made Ethan curious. Ethan decided to approach the old man with a warm smile and asked him for the reason.

“What’s making you so sad?” asked Ethan.

The old man greeted him kindly and then looked at the box. He fetched a sigh, “I’m on my way to deliver this box to an important person. Time is running out, but I’m exhausted.”

The old man paused to take a deep breath and then continued, “I wanted to take some rest, but that person is waiting for me. What should I do?”

“Tell me, how can I help you? I’ll try my best,” Ethan looked the old man in the eye.

“Would you, young boy, be willing to take this box to its rightful owner?” The old man asked Ethan with a hopeful look.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Ethan agreed.

The old man wanted Ethan to travel to the neighborhood village. Ethan would find a castle and meet the lady who lived there. She was waiting for this box with the precious thing inside. He also asked Ethan to keep a promise to deliver the box safely and not open it on the way. Ethan couldn’t help but agree. Then, the old man handed the box over to Ethan.

Ethan took the box with great care. As he walked away from the bench, he wondered what the box contained. The wooden box was not quite heavy. Its surface was adorned with odd carvings. The box had an ornate latch hook on it. But it was just for decoration. The box could be opened at any time. Ethan’s mind was filled with curiosity. But he knew that opening it without permission would be dishonest.

**

Ethan followed the old man’s instructions and walked deep into the forest. As Ethan went further into it, the air became more relaxed. He stepped on soft moss and green ferns. Colorful wildflowers dotted the landscape like nature’s paintbrush.

Nearby, a little stream gurgled along, making a soothing sound. The forest was where time slowed down, and Ethan could enjoy the peacefulness of nature. The moment would not last long when he suddenly encountered a mischievous monkey.

The monkey was drawn to the mysterious wooden box that Ethan carried with him. It leaped forward and snatched the box from Ethan’s hands. Then it jumped up into the trees, taking the box with him.

Things happened too fast, like in the blink of an eye. Ethan couldn’t believe it. The box was now in the hands of a playful monkey. He knew he had to act quickly. He tried to chase after it.

It was a wild and thrilling chase through the heart of the lush forest. The monkey swung from branch to branch with the box clutched. Its movements were like a dance. And its high-pitched laughter echoed through the tall trees. That was creepy.

Ethan’s heart raced with each leap and bound. He weaved through the dense undergrowth. His footsteps were quick as he pursued his target. The forest seemed to come alive around them, with leaves rustling. Branches swayed, and leaves tumbled down as the chase never ended.

Ethan was too tired. He stopped and considered. He could not chase the monkey but knew he could trick it. “What should I do? Now, Ethan. Thinking about it!” He talked to himself.

He remembered once he saw a monkey stealing a necklace from a woman in the market. “The monkey might love shiny objects.” Then, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a shiny piece of foil. It was a lucky foil he always brought along with him. He held it up high, catching the sunlight and creating a dazzling display.

The monkey couldn’t resist the shiny distraction. It dropped the box to check the glimmering thing. When the monkey jumped toward Ethan, about to catch the foil, Ethan seized his chance. He ran toward the box. He picked up the box and carefully tucked it under his arm. Then he ran and ran as fast as he could.

**

He kept running until he reached the bank of a broad and rushing river. The water flowed swiftly, and the river seemed too deep to cross on foot. He stood there, thinking about how he could cross the river. Luckily, a kind-looking man appeared. He was about to cross the river to the opposite bank on his wooden boat.

The man waved his hand to Ethan and said, “Hello there. It seems you need to cross this river. I can take you across if you’d like.”

Grateful for the offer, Ethan climbed into the boat.

The man skillfully rowed them across the flowing waters. As they made their way, they began to chat about various things. Ethan told him why he was there and shared the story of the encounter with the monkey.

After a friendly conversation, the man became curious and asked Ethan about the box. “I couldn’t help but wonder, what’s inside that box you’re carrying with such care?”

Ethan told him he had no idea what was inside, but the man continued. “Why don’t we just take a little peek at it? Nobody would know. It can be our secret.”

“I’m truly sorry, sir, but I’ve made a promise. I can’t open the box or share its secret with anyone else, no matter what happens,” Ethan replied firmly.

The man smiled and respected Ethan’s decision. He continued to steer the boat silently.

When the boat approached the other bank of the river, Ethan and the kind man bid each other farewell. It was getting dark. Ethan hurried to the castle.

 

 

 

**

Finally, he approached the entrance of the castle. Its size took his breath away. Towering turrets stretched towards the sky. And each was adorned with unique stone carvings. The castle walls were massive. It was covered in thick ivy and rose bushes. Ethan was about to knock on the big door but could not make his way because a woman at the entrance stopped him.

This woman, in a glamorous appearance, stood in his path. She wore a beautiful dress with sparkling stones on it. Next to her, there was a big chest. She looked at Ethan and smiled, “Young man, I’ve heard that your box contains a secret treatment to help people look young forever. I want to buy the box at any cost. You say, how much should I pay you?”

Ethan’s heart pounded. He felt pressure when he knew what he was keeping. Then, the woman opened the chest near her. Ethan was stunned by the precious things before his eyes: glistening gemstones, golden coins, and antique jewelry inside. But he knew they were not for him.

He couldn’t break his promise. He spoke sincerely, “I’m truly sorry, ma’am, but I cannot do that. This box belongs to someone else, and I’ve promised to deliver it to the castle. I suggest you come with me, and later, you can ask the lady of the castle to buy this box.”

The woman laughed. Then she agreed. They slowly made their way towards the castle gates. He was determined to fulfill his mission and deliver the box to its owner.

When the castle’s grand entrance opened, a beautiful lady walked towards them. She invited them inside.

As Ethan entered the castle, he explained the woman’s situation to the lady. However, to his surprise, the woman transformed into the old man’s shape. Both the lady of the castle and the old man burst into laughter. They were delighted to find such an honest and trustworthy boy as Ethan. It had all been a test, a test of his honesty.

The old man gently told Ethan, “You have passed our test, young Ethan. We allowed you to choose one object from this castle to reward your honesty. Pick the most precious thing you desire.”

Ethan was so proud of himself that he kept his promise to the end and got rewarded. It was enough for him, so Ethan denied it. He thought he just did a good thing. The old man insisted on offering his reward. Finally, Ethan ended up walking through the castle’s lavish rooms to find a thing he wanted. He admired the beauty of the treasures within. There were glittering jewels, priceless artworks, and magnificent antiques. But, after careful consideration, Ethan chose a turkey on a plate. It was evening, and he knew his grandmother was waiting for him, hungry and worried.

Ethan returned home with the turkey in a basket. The old man’s magic transported him in the blink of an eye.

He stood in front of his house in awe. His shabby little house had been replaced by a grand one. He walked inside and saw it was now filled with everything he could not imagine. He spotted his grandmother waiting near a table, looking at him with warm eyes. On that table, a delicious feast awaited him.

In the end, the goodness of his heart brought him to a better life.

 

***

Overall, this story tells us that our effort to keep a promise can bring us a good result. Ethan’s journey teaches us that by staying true to our values and being kind and honest, we can find personal happiness and a better life.

 

– The end –

 

Một số truyện ngắn khác trong dự án: Luyện viết cùng Moira

 

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