Progressive 08
The Chocolate Fountain
The small island town had been damaged by a storm. Houses were destroyed, trees were down, and people had very little to eat. The only store had only a few goods, and people had to trade what they had.
Adeline, eight years old, and her little brother Jonathan, six, tried to stay cheerful. Their parents, Maria and Paul, worked hard. Paul helped repair homes, and Maria worked at the trading store. Uncle Leo told stories to make everyone smile.
One day, Adeline and Jonathan went to the town square. The fountain there was broken, and brown water ran from it.
“It’s not dirty water,” said Adeline. “It’s a chocolate fountain! Can’t you smell it?”
Jonathan laughed. “And the rocks are chocolate chips!”
Other children came to watch. “And this?” one boy asked, holding a leaf.
“Chocolate salad!” said Adeline.
The children laughed and played, pretending to make cookies, decorate cakes, and have a feast. For a while, they forgot the storm and the hard times.
The adults noticed the children playing. Paul smiled at Maria. “The kids have more imagination than I’ve seen before.”
Maria nodded. “Sometimes children see things we don’t.”
Uncle Leo joined the children. “I declare this the Great Chocolate Festival of the Island!” he said. Everyone cheered.
That night, Maria wanted real chocolate for the children. She gave the storekeeper her gold necklace. In exchange, he gave her a small bag of chocolate chips. She baked four cookies.
The next morning, she placed them on a plate. Adeline and Jonathan were amazed.
“Is this real?” Jonathan asked.
“Yes,” Maria said.
The family ate the cookies together. They laughed and felt happy. The storm and the difficulties seemed far away.
Adeline smiled at Jonathan. “See? The chocolate fountain is real!”
Jonathan laughed. “I knew it all along!”
Comprehension Questions
What happened to the island town?
How did Adeline and Jonathan see the broken fountain?
What did the children pretend to do with the chocolate fountain?
How did the adults react to the children’s play?
How did Maria give the children real chocolate?
Your Thoughts
Why do you think imagination is important, especially in hard times?
How would you feel if you found a “chocolate fountain” like the children?
Can small acts, like baking cookies, make a big difference in someone’s happiness?
