Stone Soup

Where young artists paint the world with words

The international magazine of stories, poems, and art by young writers and artists. Published continuously since 1973.

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The Gift

“Why must you go now, oh father?” said the little ones, as the answer still is not found. “I am terribly sorry, but I must help your mother,” says father. Most of the little ones cry, but one stays calm and says, “Goodbye, and good luck!” says brave raven, trying to keep her tears in as she hugs her father for the last time. “I have been sick for a very long time, and that has helped me remember something your mother told me before she passed,” said the father, exhausted. The little ones were remembering what their father had told them earlier. “When I am finally sent to endless dreamland and you see a beam of light, don’t move. I will have something for you.” But they didn’t see one. They were starting to worry. Meanwhile, the father was looking for the mother. Once they met again, the mother remembered the gift. She was going to give her dear children an old pendant that used to be a family heirloom. Back with the little ones, a beam of light finally appeared, and two ghosts rose out from the ground, followed by lots of mist. “We are finally back,” said the mother. She gave the little ones the old pendant that seemed to make the moon glow even brighter. Everyone was quiet. Finally Raven spoke. “Thank you.” Then the ghosts floated back to their own world. Then, once more, silence filled the air.