Zander's Haunted Bridge Quest
by
Thomas
A story about Fear
for your 3rd Grader.
Zigzag Zander, an adventurous zombie with a crooked smile, shook off the morning fog. He had heard whispers about a secret puzzle hidden on a creaky old bridge that stretched over a gleaming, green river.
Blinky Sparx, a sparkly android with big, curious eyes, glided up behind the zombie’s footprints. Ever since hearing the rumor, Blinky had hoped to unravel the bridge’s mystery, too.
The ancient sign at the bridge entrance was carved with strange runes and painted with chipped, silvery letters. It hinted at a hidden riddle waiting to be solved somewhere beyond the fog.
Zigzag Zander placed one foot on the first plank, and it squeaked loudly. His bones rattled when a distant moan greeted him from under the bridge, but he pressed on, determined to uncover the secret puzzle.
Blinky Sparx hovered beside the ropes, sensors flickering in the dim light. “I know the noises are spooky,” Blinky said gently, “but I believe we can face them if we share our feelings.”
Near the middle of the bridge hung a rusty lantern that glowed in greenish light. Its flame flickered and hissed whenever a breeze rushed by, casting eerie shadows on the wooden planks.
Zigzag Zander felt his arms tremble when the wind howled, shaking the lantern above. He thought about turning back, but remembered how sharing fears often made them less scary.
Blinky Sparx tested each board, checking for loose nails. “Sometimes feeling afraid is normal,” Blinky said. “We don’t have to be brave all at once, but we can keep going one step at a time.”