Princess Ava lives in a tall white castle with bright red roofs. She is gentle and brave. She loves a small garden near the castle wall. She wakes early each morning. She watches a single yellow flower that grows beside a marble fountain.
The flower bends its head when it is thirsty. One morning, the flower drooped more than before. Its petals were pale and wilted. Princess Ava felt sad. She knelt beside the little plant. She whispered, I want to help you bloom again. She called to her flower friend, Flower. Flower is not just a plant. Flower can speak in a soft, sweet voice. Flower replied, My petals need special water from the deep castle well. Only that water can revive my bright color. Princess Ava promised to bring the water at once. She turned to find a bucket.
She saw her old toy soldier on a wooden shelf. Toy is a small soldier with golden buttons and bright blue paint. Toy sometimes likes to hide things. Today, Toy picked up Ava’s bucket and ran away with it. Toy giggled as he skipped across the stone floor. Princess Ava gasped, Oh no, Toy, please bring back the bucket! She ran after Toy down a long corridor.
Toy stopped at a heavy door. He held the bucket high above his head. He looked at Princess Ava with a teasing grin.
Princess Ava paused and took a deep breath. She remembered to use kindness. She smiled and said, Toy, would you help me save Flower? Together we can finish this task. Toy stared at Ava’s gentle eyes. He thought of the sad little flower. He felt his heart grow warm inside. Toy handed the bucket to Princess Ava. Thank you, Toy, said Princess Ava softly. She patted Toy on the shoulder.
They walked toward the deep castle well. The well was cool inside. Water sparkled in the lantern light. Princess Ava dipped the bucket slowly. She pulled it up with both hands. The water shone like silver. She carried it with Toy by her side.
They returned to the garden where Flower waited. King, Ava’s father, heard their footsteps. He came through a tall arch. King wears a golden crown and a velvet cloak. He asked, Ava, my dear, what are you doing with your toy soldier?
Princess Ava said, Father, Flower was thirsty. Toy and I brought water from the well. Will you help us pour it? King knelt beside them. He helped Ava pour the water around Flower’s roots. They watched as the flower drank the water. Its petals lifted and brightened.
Its face turned toward the sun again. Flower whispered, Thank you, Princess Ava and Toy. My heart feels happy. King clapped his hands and smiled. As a reward, he gave Princess Ava a small golden petal charm. You may wear this charm always, he said. It will remind you of your bravery, your kindness, and the power of friendship.
The yellow flower glowed in the morning light. All three stood together. They laughed and celebrated. The end.