Sylvia, Taho and the Magical Grasshopper

By Nikki and Nichie

Sylvia was a very quiet, unhealthly little girl who had a wonderful, faithful Siamese kitty named Taho. Because of Sylvia's illness, she had to spend most of her time in bed and Taho, her loyal Siamese, was always there by her side to keep her company. Sylvia got tutored at home and rarely left the house except maybe to sit outside and get some sun.

One day, just before Christmas, as Sylvia and Taho were lounging outdoors, a grasshopper, named Wendell, jumped up on Sylvia's lounge chair and said, let me introduce myself. I am Wendell, a very special and magical grasshopper. Please make sure your kitty does not try and eat me - because if he does try - I will have to cast a spell on him and trust me, he will NOT like it. Sylvia told Taho to sit still and to not hurt this magical grasshopper.

Wendell said to Sylvia - I see you are not very well and cannot do many activities. I have been watching you for a long time and know you are not very happy. But, I promise you - I will place a magic cloud over you that will vanish your illness and make you whole again! I will give this to you for Christmas because you have been an exceptional little girl and a brave and uncomplaining one! Now just close your eyes and you will smell a minty fragrance. Once you do, open your eyes and you will have a green misty cloud surrounding you. Just keep inhaling the mist and enjoy the the fragrance until the entire cloud disappates. Once it does, your health will be restored!

Sylvia closed her eyes shut and held onto Taho for she was frightened, anxious and ever so hopeful that this grasshopper really was a magical one. Her eyes closed shut but her nostrils were wide and anticipating that wonderful minty fragrance. She was just about to give up hope, but low and behold she started picking up a minty scent! Wendell said, now Sylvia, open up your eyes and see the green cloud! Sylvia opened her eyes and the green cloud surrounded her just like Wendell said. She sat very still for what seemed an eternity until the cloud vanished and the minty smell was gone. Wendell now said, Sylvia your illness is gone! Go and play and be happy!! Sylvia thought, can this be true??

She tried to get up from the chair and she did!! She had strength in her legs, arms and her whole body!! She yelled out, WOW, I am all cured - oh thank you, Wendell, thank you! Wendell smiled ever so shyly and said, Sylvia, Merry Christmas!! You are a most deserving person for this gift! It was my pleasure. Now Taho, you can run and play with Sylvia now and for many happy years to come!!

And with that Wendell vanished in a puff of green smoke!

And Sylvia and Taho - both looked at each other - with tears, joy and gladness for a miracle surely did happen - one both will always remember!