The Old House
The Old House — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
Within a snow globe kingdom, where winter's breath kissed the frosted panes, stood a house of whispered secrets. Old Man Hemlock, the town's clockmaker, knew the old house held a sorrow as deep as the snow drifts. Beside him, Elsie, a young baker with a heart full of dreams, felt the pull of the house's lonely aura. For within its walls lay a treasure, and a curse: self-awareness, bought with the cost of contentment.
Page 2
Elsie baked sugared plums while Hemlock tinkered. "The kingdom doesn't even know it's lost, Elsie," Hemlock sighed, adjusting his spectacles. Elsie replied, "My grandmother used to say, 'The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing,' Socrates said that, I think. But she also said that the house can answer any question."
Page 3
That evening, as a storm raged outside the snow globe, Elsie found herself drawn to the old house. A whisper seemed to call her name, promising answers to her deepest longings. Steeling her resolve, she approached the heavy oak door, its iron hinges creaking in the wind. Her heart pounded in her chest as she placed her hand upon the cold metal.
Page 4
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of dust and forgotten memories. A single mirror dominated the entry hall, its surface clouded with age. "Show me my truest self," Elsie whispered, remembering a childhood rhyme. The mirror rippled, and a vision of Elsie, older and adorned in gilded finery, appeared. "Gold changes a person, but does it make them happier?"
Page 5
Suddenly, Hemlock burst through the door, his face etched with worry. "Elsie, you mustn't trust its promises!" he cried, grabbing her arm. "That mirror shows not your true self, but your deepest desires. It's the greatest trick in the globe! Do you understand?" Elsie pulled away, her eyes fixed on the gilded image in the mirror, "I need to know!".
Page 6
Ignoring Hemlock's plea, Elsie stepped closer to the mirror, mesmerized by her opulent reflection. The mirror offered her a vision of the kingdom thriving, all thanks to her leadership. The people were happy, safe, and prosperous. "I can make this real, I can save them!", she whispers to herself. In the vision, people offer her mountains of gold and riches as rewards.
Page 7
"The vision isn't free. It comes at a price," the mirror whispered, its surface now a swirling vortex. "To achieve this, you must forget your past. Your friends. Your very self." Elsie paused, her hand hovering over the mirror's surface. Could she sacrifice everything for the good of the kingdom? A tear ran down her cheek. "It's not real gold!"
Page 8
With newfound clarity, Elsie snatched a nearby candlestick and shattered the mirror. The gilded vision vanished, replaced by shards of glass reflecting her true, simple self. "I choose myself, I choose friendship!" she declared, tears streaming down her face. The old house trembled, its power broken. Hemlock embraced her, relief washing over his features.
Page 9
As the last shard fell, the snow globe kingdom shimmered with renewed life. The curse was lifted, and a sense of genuine contentment settled over the land. Elsie returned to her bakery, Hemlock to his clocks, their bond strengthened by the ordeal. Life slowly moved on, but a little wiser and closer than it was before.
Page 10
And so, within the snow globe kingdom, the tale of the old house served as a reminder: true worth lies not in gilded reflections, but in the genuine bonds of friendship and self-awareness. For the gold she sought was the very thing that left her with less. The gold of community will always prevail.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
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