The Sunset Duck
Fifi borrows a little wooden duck and promises to return it by sunset, but a game of hide-and-seek makes her forget. Can she find it in time?
"Fifi, would you like to borrow this duck?" Mrs. Lee held out a smooth wooden duck. "Return it by sunset, please." Fifi's eyes sparkled. "I promise, Mrs. Lee!"
Momo sniffed the duck and tilted his head. "How will you remember?" Fifi placed the duck on the windowsill. "I'll see it every time I pass by. The sun will remind me."
Later, Momo bounced. "Let's play hide-and-seek!" Fifi forgot the duck and ran outside. They hid and giggled until the sky turned orange.
Suddenly, Fifi gasped. "The duck! I promised to return it by sunset!" They searched under the porch and behind the pots. Momo pawed at a hole. "Is this treasure?" Fifi shook her head, laughing a little. "No, Momo! Help me find the duck."
Then Fifi remembered the leafy nest under the big bush. She found the duck resting inside. "Got it!" She ran next door as the sun dipped low.
Mrs. Lee opened the door. "You kept your word, " she said with a smile. Fifi handed her the duck, breathing fast. She and Momo sat on the steps, watching the pink clouds. Momo curled beside her, and Fifi felt proud.
This English moral short story was checked for clear language, age-appropriate content, and a lesson that follows naturally from the story.