Gratitude Express
by
Thomas
A story about Thanksgiving
for your 5th Grader.
Flicker Sparkleaf bounded into the bustling Gratitude Express station. Steam curled around her pointed ears, and the chatter of excited families filled the air. She was eager to begin a grand adventure, especially on Thanksgiving, which was her favorite time to celebrate family and appreciation.
She noticed something strange: the train’s enormous clockwork wheels slowed, and the bright lights began to flicker. A crackling voice from the speaker announced, “Attention! The Gratitude Express is experiencing a fuel shortage!” Flicker Sparkleaf’s eyes widened with curiosity and concern.
A nearby sign read, “Engine Out of Appreciation Fuel—Train Temporarily Halted.” Flicker Sparkleaf tilted her head in confusion. How could a train run on appreciation? She grinned. This was exactly the kind of puzzle she loved, and she decided right then to help.
Tiptoeing to the front car, she peeked inside the locomotive’s control panel. “This train is powered by gratitude,” she whispered thoughtfully. “But the gauge is empty, and we need to refill it!” Scanning the levers and dials, Flicker Sparkleaf felt a tingle of excitement. If she could fix the engine, everyone could head on their holiday journeys.
She unlatched the door to the first passenger car, stepping into a space filled with colorful pennants and autumn leaves. Grateful laughter danced in the air, but the laughter felt weaker than usual. Flicker Sparkleaf noticed that each passenger car reflected a different Thanksgiving value, yet it seemed like people were holding back their thanks.
“I have to find a way to remind everyone about what they appreciate,” she told herself, moving to the second car. There, she saw families beginning to bicker about small things, like lost mittens and crowded seats. Flicker Sparkleaf took a deep breath. “When we start to feel frustrated,” she said, “it often helps to pause and think of what we’re thankful for first.”
She found a dusty can labeled “Engine Oil: Appreciation Fuel” behind a crate. Proudly, she lifted it, hoping it would be enough to spark the engine. But as she picked it up, she realized it was nearly empty. Flicker Sparkleaf bit her lip. She would have to gather real gratitude from everyone on board.
Hurrying to the next car, Flicker Sparkleaf spotted a Thanksgiving table filled with half-eaten pies and scattered crumbs. “Wait, maybe if we remind them to share their thanks, that will create the energy this train needs,” she said, tapping her chin. The families, sensing her presence, began to smile again.