The Last Rose of Autumn
Once upon a time, in a kingdom secluded by enormous mountains and boundless oceans, there was a blooming hidden paradise. The kingdom became known for its unique tradition, an annual event called the Fall of Autumns. They believed that the last rose of autumn had the power to fulfill one's heart desire. This magical rose would bloom only when the last leaf of autumn fell to the ground. Whoever found the last rose could ask for one wish that would be granted instantly.
A young man named Arlan, who was a humble farmer's son, had always been fascinated by the glowing tales of the last rose. His heart was filled with an insurmountable desire to find the last rose of autumn, not for his dreams, but for his ailing mother's health.
As the autumn arrived, everyone in the kingdom began their yearly search, hoping that they would be the lucky individual to discover the last rose. Arlan, with a heart brimming with determination, too commenced his journey. He bid his sick mother farewell, leaving her in the care of their kind neighbours and ventured into searching.
Days turned into weeks, but neither Arlan nor anyone else was able to find the Last Rose. Arlan often found himself lost amidst the beautiful sights of autumn-the flaming, falling leaves, the burnt shade of the trees, and the comforting aromatic scent of damp wood. He travelled through valleys, crossed rivers, climbed mountains, and walked through countless forests.
One day, feeling immensely drained and disappointed, he was about to give up. Just then, he was caught off guard by a whispering wind carrying a dulcet fragrance. His eyes brightened up, inciting a new-found energy within him. He followed the fragrance which led him towards an enchanting ancient tree. There it was, underneath the tree amongst the scattered russet leaves, was the Last Rose of Autumn, enchanting and glowing showcasing a magnificent array of colors. A burst of happiness whelmed inside him; he carefully plucked the rose and held it up towards the golden rays of the setting sun.
His heart throbbed with mighty excitement. Arlan vividly remembered his ailing mother, her weak smile, and the unending pain in her eyes. He held the rose closer to his heart and made his wish. He wished for nothing but his dear mother's health.
The rose started to glow brighter, until it gently began to wilt—the sign of the wish being granted. Poleaxed, Arlan stood there, gazing at the wilted flower, his heart filled with a sense of completion.
Without losing a moment, Arlan rushed back towards his home. As he neared his home, he could hear an enchanting melodious voice wafting through the air. It was his mother's voice, warm and clear, singing their favourite lullaby. Tears of joy welled up in Arlan's eyes. Pushing the entrance door, he saw his mother, standing there, completely healthy, her eyes glowing with life and the ever-familiar smile adorning her face. His heart swelled up with joy.
The story of Arlan's selflessness and pure heart spread throughout the kingdom. From that day enough, the kingdom celebrated the made it a tradition to make a selfless wish until the end of time. And so, in the corner of this hidden paradise, they celebrated life and its blessings, and the legend of the Last Rose of Autumn lived on forever.