Week 4: The Icicle and the Green Stone

Alex’s boots crunched in the snow as he walked toward the Heartwood Tree. The air was cold, and the world sparkled with morning light. He stopped when something caught his eye—a long, clear icicle hanging from a low branch. It shined like a piece of glass.

He reached out to touch it. “Wow,” he whispered. “It’s like winter made its own crystal.”

Mr. Owl landed nearby, his feathers fluffed against the cold. “Icicles are winter’s decorations,” he said. “They grow slowly, drop by drop, when the air is just right.”

Alex smiled and reached into his pocket for his mom’s green stone—the one she said was lucky. But his pocket was empty.

He froze. “Oh no. I lost it,” Alex said, his voice small.

Mr. Owl tilted his head. “When did you last see it?”

Alex tried to remember. He had taken it out to look at the sunlight through it, right before he saw the icicle. He must have dropped it in the snow.

He looked around, but everything was white and bright. “How will I ever find it?” he asked.

“Sometimes, what is lost can be found with patience—and a little help,” Mr. Owl said.

Just then, Alex noticed tiny animal tracks leading toward the Heartwood Tree. He followed them carefully, not wanting to step on the prints. As he got closer, he saw a small group of animals gathered at the base of the tree: a squirrel nibbling a nut, a rabbit sitting quietly, and a pair of birds hopping in the snow.

Alex watched them for a moment. The animals seemed peaceful, sharing the space and the food they’d found.

A flash of green in the snow caught his eye. The squirrel was holding something shiny. Alex crept closer and saw—it was his mom’s green stone!

The squirrel looked at Alex, then set the stone gently on the snow and scurried away. Alex picked it up, feeling a wave of relief and gratitude.

“Thank you!” he called softly.

Mr. Owl smiled. “Sometimes, kindness finds its way back to us.”

Alex tucked the stone safely in his pocket and looked up at the Heartwood Tree, the icicle still shining above. The animals, the tree, and the winter sun all felt like part of a quiet celebration.

He took a deep breath, feeling calm and happy. “I think this is the luckiest place of all,” he said.

Mr. Owl nodded. “The forest is full of small wonders, Alex. And sometimes, what’s lost is found when we open our eyes—and our hearts.”

Alex smiled, ready for whatever adventure came next.

Have you ever lost something special and found it again in a surprising way?Alex would love to hear your story! Share it in the comments or ask a grown-up to send it to us through the contact page.