Marlow and the Lantern of Courage

Bravery is trusting yourself when the path ahead is new.

Marlow and Kellar stepped off the plane in China. Everything looked different. Everything sounded different, too.

«Look at the buildings!» said Kellar. Marlow looked up. The rooftops curved like dragon tails.

They walked past markets full of food Marlow had never seen. He held Kellar's hand tight.

A little green dinosaur peeked out from behind a cart. He carried a glowing red lantern. «Hello,» said Dino.

«I'm Marlow,» said Marlow. «This is my brother Kellar.» Dino smiled. «Want to see the city at night?»

The sun went down. The streets filled with golden lights. Marlow's tummy felt funny. Everything was so new.

«I feel a little scared,» Marlow whispered. Kellar put his arm around Marlow. «Me too, sometimes,» said Kellar.

«Being brave doesn't mean you're never scared,» said Dino. «It means you keep going anyway.»

Marlow took a deep breath. He looked at the lantern's warm glow. He looked at Kellar.

«Okay,» said Marlow. «Let's keep going.» Kellar smiled. They walked together down the glowing street.

They saw dancers with silk ribbons. They tasted sweet cakes. Marlow laughed. China wasn't scary anymore.

«You were really brave tonight,» said Kellar. Marlow hugged him. Being brave was easier when you weren't alone.