Bolda and the Sea of Swirling Emotions
by
Thomas
A story about Big feelings
for your 2nd Grader.
Bolda the Bright stood at the edge of her sturdy Viking ship. Her brown braids bounced as she watched the early morning sun rise over the sparkling ocean. She hummed a brave tune, excited for the grand adventure ahead.
Brutus the purple warthog bounded across the deck, snorting with glee. He loved to share silly riddles with anyone who would listen, hoping to bring cheer to the voyage.
The carved dragon figurehead at the prow of the ship glistened in the sunlight, its fierce eyes pointed toward the open ocean. Gusts of wind tugged at its wooden scales, ready for the day’s journey.
Bolda gazed at the gathering clouds in the distance. She remembered her father’s words: “When big feelings come, find your courage by taking deep breaths.” She felt a tiny flutter of worry in her chest.
Brutus noticed the breeze growing stronger. He stomped his hooves on the wet deck and told a playful joke about brave warthogs sailing through windy seas. Even when thunder rumbled, he kept his snout high.
A battered wooden shield clattered against the ship’s side, rattling with every gust of wind. Its faded paint told stories of past voyages across the stormy sea.
Bolda felt her heart race as lightning flashed across the sky and enormous waves toppled over the rails. She shut her eyes, took a slow breath, and counted to five before opening them again.
Brutus squealed when the ship rocked, but he remembered a tip his friend once shared: close your eyes for a moment and think of a calm place. After a deep snort, he pictured a sunny meadow filled with flowers.