18th Apr 2025
In a quiet village between the hills, there lived a curious boy named Alaa. He loved reading books filled with strange creatures, hidden worlds, and wild adventures. But deep down, he wished to live a real adventure of his own. One afternoon, while wandering through the market, Alaa spotted a tiny shop tucked between two buildings. Its windows were dusty, and a golden glow shimmered from inside. He stepped in. Behind the counter stood an old man with a long white beard and kind eyes. He smiled as if he had been waiting forever. “Welcome, Alaa,” the old man said. Alaa blinked. “How do you know my name?”
Alaa’s eyes lit up when he saw the old man pull out a small, glowing hourglass. Its sand sparkled like stars. “This,” said the man, “is a magic hourglass. When you flip it, a door will open — a door to another world. But be careful. You only have one hour. When the sand runs out, the door closes.” Alaa held the hourglass tightly. With a flip — whoosh! — a swirling green portal opened! Without thinking, he stepped through. A moment later, he stood in a talking forest! The trees whispered stories, and colorful animals walked around carrying books. A tiny blue bird wearing glasses flew down. “My name is Zirr,” chirped the bird. “You’re the Chosen Reader! We must find the Golden Book before the Shadow Beast does!”
Alaa's eyes widened with excitement. 'Where is the Golden Book?' he asked eagerly. Zirr fluttered onto Alaa's shoulder, pointing a wing towards a path lined with glowing mushrooms. 'It's hidden in the Heart of the Forest,' Zirr explained. 'But we must hurry, the Shadow Beast is already searching!' Alaa nodded bravely, clutching the hourglass as they dashed down the path, leaves crunching underfoot.
As they ventured deeper, they met a wise old turtle named Tully. 'Follow the river of giggles,' Tully advised, a twinkle in his eye. The river bubbled with laughter, leading them to a sparkling cave. Inside, the Golden Book rested on a pedestal, glowing warmly. Just as Alaa reached for it, a low growl echoed, making the cave tremble.
Out of the shadows, the Shadow Beast appeared! It loomed large and dark, but Alaa felt the hourglass pulse with magic in his hand. 'We need light!' chirped Zirr. Alaa flipped the hourglass, and light poured out, filling the cave and sending the Shadow Beast fleeing. With the Golden Book safe, they hurried back to the portal just as the last grains of sand fell. Alaa waved goodbye to his new friends, promising to return for more adventures.
