Emily's Library of Kindness🔊

Once upon a time, in a small town named Dulwich on the English countryside, lived a young girl named Emily. Just ten years old, Emily was an ordinary girl with extraordinary dreams.

Emily was unique. Unlike the other children, who splashed in puddles and played in the mud, Emily's heart fluttered for books. She found a strange comfort in the leafy pages, and with every word she read, her world expanded. Her father was a carpenter and mother a seamstress, they both understood Emily's unusual love for books and supported it by any means necessary.

Heartbreakingly, Emily’s family lived in extreme poverty and could barely afford one meal a day, let alone books. The only time Emily got to read was when she visited Lady Margaret, a rich elderly woman whose mansion housed a magnificent library.

One day, Emily gathered enough courage to ask Lady Margaret if she could borrow a book permanently. The wealthy lady chuckled at the young girl's innocence and made a deal. She agreed to lend Emily a book for every act of kindness she performed without expecting anything in return.

Emily was elated. Every day, she would perform random acts of kindness. She helped a lost dog find its home, sewed a torn coat for her cold neighbor, fetch water for the elderly and so much else. Every act of kindness fetched Emily a book from Lady Margaret's library.

Meanwhile, Lady Margaret, who appreciated Emily's kindness, grew fond of her. She regarded Emily as her own granddaughter, as she had none. Days passed, weeks turned into months, and the bond between Emily and Lady Margaret only grew stronger.

One day, Emily found Lady Margaret lying on the floor unconscious. She immediately alerted the townsfolk who rushed Lady Margaret to the local healer. Emily stood by Lady Margaret's side, praying for her fast recovery. In due time, Lady Margaret regained consciousness but was told she didn't have long to live.

With a heavy heart, Lady Margaret called for Emily. She told Emily that she admired her kindness and her love for books. So, in her will, she granted Emily the full ownership of her mansion and her library.

Emily was shocked, but Lady Margaret explained that Emily was more than just a benefactor; she was the granddaughter she never had. She further stated, 'My mansion and library will remain valuable as long as it's cared for with love and respect, and I can't think of anyone more deserving than you, Emily.'

Time passed, and Lady Margaret passed away peacefully. Emily was shaken but took over the mansion and library responsibilities. She transformed the mansion into a school for the underprivileged and used the library as a learning center. Emily continued her acts of kindness and became a beacon of hope for the small town of Dulwich, proving how kindness could sow the seed of knowledge and change lives.

And so, the little girl who chased her dreams with a heart full of kindness was now the proud owner of the biggest treasure in town, a treasure she shared with all. Emily's story is a testament to the power of kindness and the sheer determination of an unrelenting spirit.