Calamity Kate's New Trail

by

Thomas

Thomas

Calamity Kate's New Trail

A story about Divorce

for your 3rd Grader.

Calamity Kate standing at the fence with her hat tipped low, gazing into the distance In the background, rolling prairies stretch far under the golden sun

Calamity Kate stared at the wide-open prairie, remembering when her parents used to ride by her side. Now, they lived in different homes, and she felt the emptiness whenever she saddled up alone. Each morning, she wondered if her family would ever feel whole again.

Blossom Sprout leaning forward, holding a small bundle of papers In the background, a dusty path through the bustling marketplace

One day, Blossom Sprout hopped over, bright green leaves rustling with excitement. “How about we make a map of all the happy places?” the little plant monster suggested, hoping to cheer Kate up. Kate smiled, thinking maybe this map could guide her heart, too.

A worn wooden sign reading 'Prairie Market,' painted with bright letters In the background, colorful stalls line the busy market

They headed straight for the marketplace, where a tall sign reading “Prairie Market” swung in the breeze. People bustled about, trading fresh vegetables and handmade crafts. Kate felt her mood lift as she listened to cheerful voices calling out friendly hellos.

Calamity Kate jotting notes on the corner of a large map In the background, shelves of goods and small barrels by the shop stall

An old shopkeeper showed them a friendly grin. “Families can change,” she said gently, “but love can grow in new ways.” Kate felt braver hearing this, and she marked the shop on her new map of bright spots around town.

An antique saddle resting on a wooden fence In the background, stable doors and a row of straw bales

They passed by the cozy stables, where rows of saddles hung. Each reminded Kate of rides with both her parents. She closed her eyes, recalling her family laughing together, and realized those memories still gave her strength.

Blossom Sprout smiles as she waters a potted cactus In the background, a neat stack of hay bales near the fence

Inside the stable yard, Blossom Sprout inspected a small cactus, carefully watering it. “Sometimes it helps to talk about how you feel,” Blossom Sprout said softly, “even if you’re sad.” Kate nodded, deciding to share more with each parent.

Calamity Kate carefully drawing on the map In the background, lanterns hanging from a storefront awning

They raced through the dirt roads, and Kate drew lines on the map every time she felt a spark of happiness. With each stroke of her pencil, she remembered how her parents still loved her, even if they were apart. She hoped this map might guide them all someday.

Blossom Sprout helps roll up a piece of thread on the counter In the background, colorful bolts of fabric stacked against the wall

They stopped at a small seamstress’s shop, where the tailor quietly stitched patterns of stars. “Change can feel scary,” the tailor said, “but it can also lead to new beginnings.” Blossom Sprout listened closely, her leaves fluttering with thought.

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