Ember Flare and the River of Time
by

Thomas

A story about Divorce
for your 4th Grader.

Ember Flare lived by the great River of Time, which sparkled like diamonds under the moon. She adored roaming the valleys and soaring above misty mountains, yet something quietly troubled her heart. Her parents had just told her they would be living in separate caves, and Ember Flare felt a heavy worry growing inside.

Late one night, she glided down to the river’s edge and discovered the impossible: the water had stopped flowing. Her breath caught in her throat, and her scales tightened with concern. How could a mighty river freeze in time? What if everything else changed before she was ready?

Determined to find answers, she began her quest along the silent river. Ember Flare’s wings trembled whenever she thought about the future. Even so, she remembered how her parents had told her that she could always ask for help, and she whispered to herself, “I am not alone.”

As she trudged upstream, Ember Flare encountered a tall, mysterious lantern flickering on a smooth stone. It kept glowing in the silence, like a beacon guiding her. She felt nervous, for she did not know who had placed it there, but she carefully continued with cautious hope in her heart.

Before long, Ember Flare spotted a hidden cave opening that shimmered with golden light. She peered inside and saw spectacular crystals covering the walls, reflecting her anxious stare back at her. The echo of her own heartbeat made her pause, but she remembered it was okay to feel worried and keep going.

Inside the cave, Ember Flare felt her anxiety rise, like troubled waves in her chest, yet she pressed on. She remembered her parents’ gentle advice: sometimes sharing feelings can ease the weight. Though unsure who might listen, she spoke softly, “I’m scared... but I want to fix the river and protect the future.”

Farther in, she climbed over slippery rocks and heard faint echoes. The path grew steeper, and her claws ached. Still, Ember Flare pushed forward, telling herself that fear was normal when lives changed. She recalled that even if parents live in different places, they both love their child just the same.

Suddenly, a thundering waterfall blocked her way, plummeting into a deep pool. She gasped, realizing the water above was somehow trapped. Taking a shaky breath, she whispered, “I can do this. It’s okay to be scared.” She beat her wings hard and soared over the roaring falls, heart pounding with courage.