Progressive 27
When the Wind Roars
Ella pulled her jacket tighter as the wind howled through the valley. She was hiking with her older brother, Marcus, on a narrow trail up the side of the mountain. The weather had been calm earlier, but now the gusts were so strong they had to shout to hear each other.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Ella called over the wind.
Marcus looked back, calm but determined. “We’re almost there! Stick close to the rock wall and watch your step.”
Ella groaned but followed. The wind tugged at her hair and jacket, almost making her stumble. She thought about turning around, but Marcus had planned this hike for weeks. She didn’t want to ruin it.
Finally, they reached a small plateau. The trail leveled out. The wind was still strong, but the view was amazing. Below, the valley spread in shades of green and gold. Above, the sun peeked through fast-moving clouds.
“Wow,” Ella said, catching her breath. “Okay, maybe this was worth it.”
Marcus grinned. “Told you. Sometimes you have to push through the tough parts to see the good parts.”
Ella rolled her eyes but smiled. “You sound like a motivational poster.”
They sat on a large rock, shielding themselves from the wind. Marcus handed her a water bottle. “Drink. You’ve been working hard.”
As Ella sipped, a strong gust nearly knocked the bottle out of her hands. She laughed, holding it tightly. “This wind feels alive!”
Marcus chuckled. “It does. It’s like it’s testing us.”
Ella looked at the sky. The clouds moved so fast it was almost dizzying. “It’s kind of scary,” she said. “But also… exciting.”
“That’s the thing about challenges,” Marcus said. “They’re scary at first, but once you face them, they’re not so bad.”
Ella smiled. “You’re pretty wise for someone who almost tripped on the way up,” she teased.
Marcus laughed. “Hey, nobody’s perfect.”
They stayed a while, letting the wind roar around them as they talked about school, summer plans, and everything else. When the sun started to set, they headed back down.
Ella felt new energy on the way down. The wind was still strong, but it felt less like an enemy and more like a friend.
“You were right,” she said at the bottom. “Sometimes you just have to keep going, even when it’s hard.”
Marcus smiled. “That’s the spirit. Now let’s get some food—I’m starving.”
Ella laughed, following him to the car. The wind had quieted, but its lesson stayed with her. Sometimes, when the wind roars, you just have to roar back.
Comprehension Questions
Where were Ella and Marcus hiking?
Why did Ella almost want to turn back?
How did the view from the plateau make Ella feel?
What lesson did Marcus teach Ella about challenges?
How did Ella feel about the wind by the end of the hike?
Your Thoughts
Have you ever faced a challenge that was scary at first but became easier? Describe it.
Why do you think facing challenges can help you feel proud?
How can the wind in the story be a symbol for problems in life?
