The Flashlight Adventure
by Aaron Aaronsen
The cold December night was quiet, and the stars twinkled like tiny diamonds in the sky. Monti J. Monti pulled his beanie down snugly over his ears and tightened the laces on his well-worn hiking boots. In his hand, he held a flashlight he’d borrowed from his dad. It was Friday night, and Monti and Leo had planned to play outside in the park.
Leo was already waiting by the big old oak tree. He had a flashlight in one hand and his red jacket zipped up tight. “Ready for an adventure, Monti?” he called, his breath puffing into little clouds in the frosty air.
Monti grinned and raised his flashlight. “Of course! But let’s keep quiet—we don’t want to wake up the forest animals.”
The two boys set off, shining their flashlights on the snowy ground and searching for tracks. “Look here! These could be deer tracks!” Leo said excitedly. Monti nodded, aiming his beam to get a better look.
Suddenly, a bright light flashed directly into Monti’s face. He stopped in his tracks, blinking as his eyes stung. “Ouch, Leo! Stop shining the flashlight in my face!”
Leo quickly lowered the flashlight, looking surprised. “Oh, sorry, Monti. I just wanted to make sure you were still there.”
Monti rubbed his eyes, which were still hurting from the glare. “You should never shine a flashlight in someone’s face, Leo. It really hurts—and it can even damage your eyes.”
Leo looked guilty. “Really? I didn’t know that.”
Monti nodded seriously. “Yeah, my dad says eyes are very sensitive. In the summer, I always wear sunglasses because the sun is so bright it can hurt your eyes. Flashlight beams aren’t as strong as sunlight, but in the dark, they’re still way too bright.”
Leo hung his head. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Monti patted him on the shoulder and smiled. “It’s okay. Now you know. Let’s keep looking for tracks, but let’s point our flashlights at the ground, not at faces.”
The boys continued their adventure, this time being more careful with their flashlights. They found what they thought might be a fox den and watched their breath swirl like mist in the beams of light.
“Hey, Monti,” Leo said suddenly. “Why is your flashlight so cool? It’s way brighter than mine.”
Monti laughed. “It’s my dad’s. He uses it when he checks on the cows at my grandma’s old farm at night. It’s super handy, but he also taught me how to use it properly.”
Leo shone his flashlight up into the trees. “I think I’m going to take better care of mine. Maybe I can figure out more ways to use it.”
Monti nodded. “Flashlights are really useful if you use them the right way. But they can also be dangerous if you’re not careful.”
As the night grew late and the stars sparkled even brighter, the boys decided it was time to head home. Before they parted ways, Leo put a hand on Monti’s arm. “Thanks for explaining the flashlight thing to me. I’ll never shine one in someone’s face again.”
Monti grinned. “No problem. That’s what friends are for.”
On the walk home, Monti thought about how important it is to be careful with things that are helpful but can also be harmful. When he got home, he placed the flashlight back on his dad’s workbench and said quietly to himself, “With love, mindfulness, and imagination—even with flashlights.”
With a satisfied smile, Monti climbed the stairs to his room, ready for another day filled with new adventures.
Welcome to the Zaubertales Advent Calendar 2024. This Christmas season, we are sharing the magical world of Monti J. Monti, our curious and courageous little hero. Each day in December brings a new short story filled with heartwarming adventures, meaningful lessons, and a touch of festive magic.
Our series is more than a collection of stories. It is an opportunity and invitation to join us in shaping Monti’s journey. As the stories unfold, we encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas. What challenges should Monti face next? What should Monti’s world look like? What inspires you about his character? Together, we will create a hero who reflects the creativity and kindness of the Zaubertales community.
Zaubertales is dedicated to crafting stories that bring joy and learning to children and families. Through Monti’s adventures, we inspire laughter, spark meaningful conversations, and nurture imagination. Whether you read these stories during quiet evenings or share them as a family, they are designed to add wonder and delight to this special time of year.
We are thrilled to bring you this interactive storytelling experience. Let’s make this December a memorable celebration of joy, discovery, and the true spirit of Christmas.
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