1. MARY EDWARDS IN THE FOREST
Mary Edwards, a beautiful and well-built woman can’t wait to look around on the first day of
her holiday. Her energetic life in the city with the fast pace has resulted in stress-related health
problems, although she is a thirty year old optimistic person. Being close to nature can make
her calmer, more open and easy-going as her doctor advised her.
As soon as she reached the little stone cottage, she unpacked her things hurriedly and went out to
explore the surrounding countryside and to enjoy the healthy environment. All around were the
sounds of nature: rustling trees, babbling streams, the singing of birds… The stunning beauty and
relaxing atmosphere was just what she required to restore her inner balance.
The sky was getting dark and the shadows were growing longer in the forest. As the last of the
daylight disappeared, she felt a bit afraid. She tried to find her way to the village, but it was
hard to tell which path she should follow in the darkness. She was lost in the woods! Panicking,
she cried out desperately for help. Suddenly, she heard strange noises. Are they hungry animals
hunting for food? She hoped they would not want to eat her. Suddenly, she thought of her inner
strength and that she has always been brave. She would not give up!
Mary decided to follow an overgrown path and soon she could see the lights of the village in the
distance. She smiled broadly… But unfortunately, she was found in front of a ruined house with
broken windows and a destroyed door, apparently abandoned a long time ago. The things were
getting worse since she heard a roaring sound growing louder and saw a large, dark shape
coming out of the house. Mary froze in horror. What could it be? Was the house haunted? Was
there a wild animal? Or,what?
She ran away as fast as she could. Luckily, she was able to see other houses nearby and even a
car parked outside! She headed for the nearest little cottage and knocked at the door again and
again. Relieved, a kind-hearted woman with her husband opened the door. The friendly couple
gave her a warm welcome.
After a delicious dinner, they all sat around the fire listening to Mary’s fascinating story.
Soon, she realized that there was no ghost but just the enormous female Siamese cat of the
neighborhood, who had given birth to five lovely kittens in that old house! Helen and Peter
explained to her that everything was the product of her imagination and …fear. It was a great end
to a day full of adventure.
By Spiroula Asimakopoulou
(Adventure story)