Little Girl's First Legend

Emily's Wish

Emily loved her father more than anything in the world. He was her hero, her friend, her protector. He taught her how to read, how to ride a bike, and how to dream big. He always had a smile on his face and a hug for her.

But one day, he got sick. Very sick. He couldn't get out of bed, he couldn't eat, he couldn't talk. He just lay there, pale and weak, barely breathing. The doctors didn't know what was wrong with him or how to help him. They said he might not make it.

Emily's mother was heartbroken. She prayed every day and night for a miracle, but nothing changed. She cried all the time, and Emily hated seeing her like that. She wanted to do something, anything, to make them happy again.

She remembered the stories her grandmother used to tell her about the legends of their village. How there was a hidden spring in the mountains that had magical powers. How anyone who bathed in its waters would be granted one wish. How many brave souls had tried to find it, but none had ever returned?

Emily decided she would be the one to find it. She would be the one to save her father. She would be the one to make her wish come true.

She packed a small bag with some food, water, and a blanket. She waited until nightfall when her mother was asleep, and then she sneaked out of the house. She left a note on her pillow, saying she loved her and she would be back soon.

She followed the trail that led to the mountains, guided by the stars and the moon. She walked for hours until her feet were sore and her legs were tired. She crossed rivers and climbed rocks, dodging wild animals and avoiding traps. She faced many dangers and difficulties, but she never gave up.

She kept thinking of her father's face, his smile, his voice. She kept thinking of how much she missed him and how much she wanted him to be well again. She kept thinking of her wish.

She finally reached the summit of the highest peak, where the spring was supposed to be. She looked around, but all she saw was snow and ice. There was no sign of any water or any life.

She felt a pang of disappointment and despair. Had she come all this way for nothing? Had she wasted her time and risked her life for a myth? Had she lost her only chance to save her father?

She collapsed on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. She wished she could go back home, back to her mother, back to her father. She wished she could see them again, hug them again, and tell them how much she loved them.

She closed her eyes and whispered: "Please, please, let me have my wish."

Suddenly, she heard a sound. A gentle trickle of water. She opened her eyes and saw a small stream flowing from under the snow. It sparkled in the moonlight like liquid silver.

She gasped in wonder and joy. She had found it! She had found the spring!

She jumped up and ran towards it, throwing off her clothes and plunging into the water. It was cold but refreshing, soothing but invigorating. It felt like magic.

She felt a warmth spreading through her body, filling her with energy and happiness. She felt a connection with something greater than herself, something powerful and benevolent.

She knew this was the moment to make her wish.

She thought of her father, lying in his bed, suffering and dying. She thought of how much he meant to her, how much he had given her, how much he deserved to live.

She said aloud: "I wish for my father to be healed."

She waited for something to happen, something to confirm that her wish had been granted.

But nothing happened.

She felt a surge of fear and doubt. Had she done something wrong? Had she not been worthy? Had she not been sincere?

She started to cry again.

Then she heard another sound.

A voice.

A familiar voice.

A voice that made her heart skip a beat.

"Emily?"

It was him.

It was her father.

He was standing on the edge of the spring, looking at her with love and awe.

He was alive.

He was well.

He was here.

He had followed her trail and found her here.

He had seen the spring and felt its power.

He had heard her wish and felt its effect.

He had been healed by his daughter's love.

He smiled at her and said: "You did it."

He reached out his hand and said: "Come on."

He wrapped his arms around her and said: "I love you."

He kissed her forehead and said: "Thank you."

They hugged each other tightly, feeling each other's heartbeat, feeling each other's joy.

They had their wish.

They had their miracle.

They had each other.

The End