Alex was an adventurous little boy. He loved hiking with his dad—listening to birds sing, feeling the cool breeze on his face, and exploring hidden trails. One sunny morning, they packed sandwiches, filled their backpacks, grabbed a hatchet for chopping firewood, and headed into Whispering Pines Forest.
For hours, Alex and his dad walked together, laughing and talking. But after lunch, Alex wandered off to look at a bright red mushroom. When he turned around—his dad was gone.
Alex’s heart thumped fast.
“Dad?” he called.
Only the trees answered, swaying gently. Alex took a deep breath. “I have to stay calm,” he reminded himself, just like Dad always said.
He found a soft patch of ground between two large trees and used his small hatchet to cut fallen branches. Carefully, he built a tiny shelter leaning against the roots. He gathered leaves and pine needles to make a bed. When clouds rolled in and rain began to fall, Alex crawled inside. The roof kept him dry.
He ate the other half of his sandwich, curled up, and tried to be brave. The forest hummed softly, and eventually, Alex fell asleep.
Morning sunlight streamed between the trees. Alex woke hungry but determined. He remembered another thing his dad taught him: If you get lost, follow water. So Alex packed his hatchet, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and set off to listen carefully.
Soon he heard it—trickle… trickle… trickle.
A stream!
Alex knelt down, scooped cool water into his hands, and took a drink. It felt fresh and sweet. He walked beside the stream for hours, marking trees with gentle taps of his hatchet so he wouldn’t get turned around.
Birds fluttered overhead. Squirrels chattered from branches. Each step felt a bit more hopeful.
Then, through the trees—voices.
“Alex! Alex!”
It was Dad.
Alex burst into a run, tears in his eyes. His father rushed forward and wrapped him in a tight hug.
“I was so worried!” Dad said, his voice shaky with relief. “You were so brave.”
Alex smiled. “I remembered what you taught me. I built a shelter, found water, and followed it home.”
His dad looked proud. “That hatchet helped keep you safe—but your courage helped even more.”
Together they walked back along the stream, hand in hand. Alex felt taller, stronger, and proud of himself.
And from that day on, whenever he hiked, Alex carried his hatchet—not just as a tool, but as a reminder that even small adventurers can do big, brave things.
The End
Follow-Up Questions
- What did Alex do to stay safe when he got lost?
- Why was it smart for Alex to follow the stream?
- Would you feel brave in Alex’s situation? Why or why not?
GOOD
this story is not good at all,i mean what is the meaning of hatchet does it means an equipment for hatching eggs DOO!