Progressive 15
The Lemonade Lake
Carol and her best friend Leo were tired of staying in the noisy city all summer. They wanted a place to explore, run, and have fun. One day, they discovered a map tucked inside an old book at the library. It led to a mysterious lake called Lemonade Lake. The map said the lake smelled like fresh lemons and was magical.
“That sounds amazing!” Leo exclaimed. “Let’s go this weekend!”
Carol nodded. “I’ve never seen anything like it. I hope it’s real.”
Saturday morning, they packed sandwiches, water, and their adventure hats, then rode their bikes along the winding country roads. After an hour, they saw the lake glittering in the sunlight. Its water was bright yellow, and tiny lemon-shaped flowers floated along the surface. Carol and Leo gasped.
“This is the Lemonade Lake!” Carol whispered. She dipped her fingers into the cool, lemony water and laughed. “It smells so good! It’s like lemonade!”
Leo carefully balanced on a rock. “We can make little boats from sticks and leaves. Let’s race them!”
They spent hours making tiny boats, blowing on them, and cheering as the boats sailed across the sparkling water. Birds chirped around them, and butterflies danced above the lemon trees that surrounded the lake.
“I feel like we are in a fairy tale,” Carol said, lying back on the grass. “Everything is so bright and happy here.”
Leo nodded. “And look over there!” He pointed to a group of frogs with lemon-shaped spots jumping from one lily pad to another. “They’re racing too!”
Suddenly, a small, wrinkled old man appeared by the lake shore. He wore a wide straw hat and smiled warmly. “Hello, young adventurers,” he said. “I am Mr. Lemon, the keeper of this lake. Few people find it, but those who do always remember the magic.”
Carol and Leo bowed slightly. “It’s beautiful, sir,” Carol said. “Can you tell us why it smells like lemons?”
Mr. Lemon laughed softly. “The lake is fed by an underground stream that flows through my lemon trees. It makes the water sweet and fresh, like lemonade. But the true magic comes from the happiness of visitors like you.”
Carol and Leo spent the rest of the day exploring the lake. They discovered tiny fish that sparkled like gold, hidden paths between the lemon trees, and even a small treehouse built into the tallest tree by the water. They shared sandwiches under its shade and promised each other to return.
When the sun began to set, the lake shimmered in gold and orange light. Carol and Leo packed their things, but both knew this day would stay in their memories forever. “I can’t wait to come back,” Leo said, smiling.
“Me too,” Carol agreed. “It’s the perfect place to have adventures with a friend.”
As they rode home, the smell of lemons seemed to follow them. They laughed and talked about the next adventure, knowing that Lemonade Lake had given them a summer they would never forget.
Comprehension Questions
Who found the map to Lemonade Lake?
How did Carol and Leo get to the lake?
What did they use to make little boats?
Who was Mr. Lemon, and what did he tell the children?
What made Lemonade Lake magical according to the story?
Your Thoughts
If you found a magical lake, what would you do first?
Why do you think the happiness of visitors makes the lake special?
Which part of Carol and Leo’s adventure would you like to try and why?
