The Boy and the Flying Fox

The Boy and the Flying Fox - Author : Ebru Mina TOMURCUK

Leo lived in a small village nestled between green hills. Every morning, he watched the sky above the rooftops, where fluffy clouds drifted past. He often wondered what it would be like to touch them. Leo was a curious boy with warm light-brown skin, short curly black hair, and a small gap-toothed smile. He wore a mustard-yellow t-shirt, blue overall shorts, and red sneakers. In his canvas satchel, he kept a notebook for sketching the things he saw. 1

One day, while playing near the edge of the village, Leo heard a soft rustling in the bushes. Out peeked a creature with russet-orange fur, a white chest, and big amber eyes. It had tall pointed ears with pink insides and soft feathery wings in cream and gold. Around its neck was a thin braided vine collar with a tiny blue flower. Leo gasped. "Are you a fox?" he whispered. "With wings?" 2

The flying fox stepped closer and gave a friendly chirp. "My name is Ember," she said. "I come from the floating gardens above your village." Leo's eyes grew wide. "Floating gardens?" he asked. Ember nodded. "Would you like to see them?" Leo hesitated. He had never flown before. But Ember's warm smile made him feel a little brave. "Okay," he said. "I'll try." 3

Ember lowered herself so Leo could climb onto her back. "Hold on tight," she said. Leo gripped her soft fur and felt her wings spread wide. With a gentle whoosh, they lifted off the ground. The village grew smaller below them. Leo's heart beat fast, but Ember's calm voice reassured him. "You're doing great," she said. They soared higher and higher, until they reached a layer of clouds. 4

Above the clouds, Leo saw the floating gardens. They were like islands in the sky, covered with green plants and bright flowers. Vines hung down from their edges, swaying in the breeze. "Wow!" Leo breathed. "It's like a dream." Ember landed softly on one of the gardens. "Welcome to my home," she said. "Let's explore!" Leo jumped down and looked around in wonder. He had never seen anything so beautiful. 5

Ember led Leo along a winding path between tall sunflowers and rows of leafy vegetables. "These gardens grow food for the sky creatures," she explained. "And for the village below, when the wind carries seeds down." Leo noticed a small watering can made from a hollow gourd. "Do you take care of all this?" he asked. Ember nodded. "My friends and I do. But today, you can help." She gave him a little watering can of his own. 6

Leo watered the plants carefully, feeling proud to help. Then Ember showed him a patch of glowing mushrooms that lit up when you touched them. She showed him flowers that sang softly in the breeze. Leo laughed with delight. "I wish I could stay here forever," he said. Ember smiled. "You can visit anytime. But first, let me show you the best part." 7

They came to a wide gap between two floating gardens. A narrow bridge made of woven vines stretched across. Leo looked down and saw the village far below, tiny as toys. His knees felt wobbly. "I can't cross that," he said. "It's too high." Ember nudged his hand gently. "You don't have to look down," she said. "Just look at me and take one step at a time." 8

Leo took a deep breath. He fixed his eyes on Ember's amber ones and took a small step. The bridge swayed a little, but he kept going. Ember walked beside him, cheering softly. "One more step, Leo. You're doing great!" With each step, Leo felt a little more sure. When he reached the other side, he threw his arms up. "I did it!" he shouted. Ember did a happy loop in the air. 9

On the other side was a garden full of giant pumpkins and sunflowers taller than trees. Ember showed Leo how to slide down a curly vine like a slide. They played hide-and-seek among the leaves. Leo forgot all about being scared. He felt light and free. "You're a natural adventurer," Ember said. Leo grinned. "I guess I am!" 10

As the sun began to set, Ember said, "We should head back. But before we go, I want to show you something special." She led Leo to a small garden with a single tree that had silver leaves. "This is a wishing tree," she said. "You can make a wish, and if it's true, it might come true." Leo closed his eyes and thought. Then he whispered, "I wish to always be brave." He opened his eyes and saw Ember smiling. "I think that wish is already coming true," she said. 11

They flew back down to the village, and Ember landed softly in Leo's backyard. Leo hugged her furry neck. "Thank you for today," he said. "I learned that I can be brave, even when I'm scared." Ember nuzzled his cheek. "You were brave all along," she said. "I just helped you see it. Will you come back and visit me?" Leo nodded eagerly. "Every chance I get!" 12

From that day on, Leo and Ember were best friends. They explored the floating gardens together, discovering new wonders each time. Leo learned to trust his own steps, whether he was crossing a wobbly bridge or trying something new. And whenever he felt unsure, Ember was there to cheer him on. Their friendship made every day an adventure.