Broken Chains
Greenhill County, surrounded by tall and plush pine trees, was a small but serene place to live. Residents of Greenhill County treasured their peace. They loved their detachment from the hassle-laden life of the city.
In this quiet county, lived the Sanders Family. The family comprised of two loving parents - Robert and Martha Sanders, and their two young girls, Emily and Anna. Robert was a woodcutter while Martha worked in the local school canteen. Emily, the elder of the two sisters, was bright-spoken and talented, who loved her family and everything around it. Anna, however, was timid and harbored a dream of exploring the world beyond the county.
One gloomy day, Emily fell severely ill. The local doctor, rendered helpless, had suggested she be taken to the city hospital. Robert and Martha, though utterly devastated, had no means to afford the medical expenses in the city. In their despair, they decided to sell their house. Anna, upon hearing this, couldn’t bear the thought of losing her only home.
In the hopes of saving her home and sister, Wandering around and looking for help, Anna stumbled upon an old cabin at the outskirts of their neighborhood. Here, she met an eccentric old man named Benny, rumored to be blessed with magical powers. Benny made a proposition to Anna. He gave her a golden chain, enchanted with powerful magic. Benny claimed that the golden chain would grant the most ardent wish she had, but it was a one-time chance and it would disappear once the wish has been granted.
Anna, overwhelmed with hope and dread, held the golden chain tight in her hand that night, and with tears in her eyes, made a wish for Emily's health and their house. As soon as she finished, the golden chain shattered into a thousand glittering lights and then disappeared. Overwhelmed, Anna fell into a sleep, comforted by hope, yet devastated by the fear of losing the only chance.
To everyone’s amazement in the morning, Emily was fit and chirpy again. She was healed! The news ran like a wildfire in the county – the miracle of the Sanders family. Joy returned to their little home; their house was saved, Emily was healthy, everything felt like a dream. However, Anna felt an unsaid sadness; her dream of exploring the world was sacrificed for her family. She had used her only chance.
Weeks later, there came a day when Anna found a letter at their doorstep. It was an all-paid scholarship for Anna to the finest school in the city. Joy filled the house again. The scholarship meant Anna could fulfill her cherished dream after all.
Anna, standing by the window and looking at the familiar sight of pine trees and her home, felt the golden chain wasn’t just magic. It was hope and courage which led her to fight for her family. In the process, she made a selfless wish, which not only saved Emily's life but also let the universe conspire to fulfill her dreams.
And she knew, chains were broken, not just literally, but symbolically as well. It was her love for her family and her own dreams, that broke the chains of their circumstances, gave them a second chance at happiness, and allowed her to hope for a bright future.