My grandfather once told me a story about my childhood, I don't remember when it really happened of course but I've kept it in memory ever since his narration of it. So when one of my friends, back in July 2010, motivated me to try and write a children’s story just for fun creativity I sat on my laptop and brought out that story I've stored away for so long I thought I’d already forgotten - in a modified version along with simplified writing style (children’s story) and change of scene and language; the main concept’s original though.
We lost my grandpa to cancer on December 5, 2008 and today, exactly four years after, I pulled out from my archives this little story and dedicate it to memories of him.
Even though my grandfather didn't know much about how to show his love, I know he did love me; he gave me the most loving, understanding and dedicated father a girl could wish for. Miss you gramps...
Curious Little Noni
Once upon a time, there was a sweet little girl called Noni. She was 3 years old and lived with her parents and her grandfather. They were one happy family. She was the only child in their house, and was loved very much by everyone. But she was not spoiled, not at all. She was a very good girl!
One day, Noni and her grandfather were taking a walk in the garden near their house. The garden was filled with all sorts of plants and colourful flowers. The air was fresh, the sun was warm and it was a lovely day for a fun time.
Then Noni saw one beautiful flower, it was bright yellow in colour and looked as if it was enjoying the bright sunny day too. She walked close to the flower and looked at it carefully. Then she suddenly asked her grandfather, "Grandpa, are flowers alive?" Her grandfather answered, "Yes child, flowers and plants are very much alive. They breathe and grow too."
Noni was amazed and wanted to know more, so she asked again, "But grandpa, these flowers and plants don't even have faces or noses, how will they breathe?" Now her grandpa was startled at her little granddaughter and her questions. He thought happily to himself, "What weird questions and ideas Noni comes up with, such a clever little girl."
Then he told Noni, "Yes, that's true. These flowers and plants do not have faces. But they breathe through many little noses which are on the leaves! But we can't see these little noses because they are very small." Noni was wide-eyed with fascination.
It was late and getting dark. So she bid goodbye to the beautiful flower and they went inside. During dinner, little Noni told her parents about her day at the garden, what she saw, what she learned, and how much fun she had with grandpa.
When dinner was over, little Noni helped her mother clear the table. She felt very important she could be of assistance.
Since Noni had a fun and full day, she soon got drowsy and gave a wide ‘yawn’. Daddy read little Noni a bedtime-story and she went to sleep peacefully, looking forward to her day tomorrow.
The End.
