English, children's detective story, character voices, scared but safe
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EnglishAccents
North American (General) North American (US New York, New Jersey, Bronx, Brooklyn) North American (US South)Transcript
Note: Transcripts are generated using speech recognition software and may contain errors.
Pam Hurley, reading mystery and detective stories for kids. A collection of mysterious puzzling and entertaining short stories for young sleuths, including solve it yourself mysteries. Footsteps In the Snow Christmas Day was here. Even before Nate had let in the light of day, he could feel his heart leaping in joy, jumping out of bed, he headed toward the window. His eyes widened as he watched snow dancing in the daylight. He quickly ran down the staircase and opened the door. Then he strapped on his boots and ran into the beautiful crisp snow. But soon Nate felt a chill wind hit him teeth clattering. He ran back inside to put on some thicker clothing. When he walked downstairs again, he met his mother who was holding a tray of freshly baked cookies. He asked her if he could play in the snow for a little while before opening his Christmas presents and he didn't wait for her to answer as he quickly opened the door and went out into the snow again. He followed the fresh footsteps he had left on the snow. When he first stepped out, he jumped up and down and enjoyed making snow angels not thinking much about where the footsteps were taking him. But after a while he froze in his tracks, finally noticing he had strayed far from his house and was now surrounded by tall snow covered trees. Nate didn't remember ever walking toward the woodland and why did the footsteps lead him here swallowing the fear that had gathered in his chest. Nate decided to follow his footsteps back home. But when he looked down at the ground, Nate gasped, his footprints were no longer visible on the snow, but how Nate's blood ran cold. He was scared, but he knew he had to focus on finding a way out of the forest. He started searching all around for a way out but he could see nothing but trees and chipmunks that were scampering here and there. As Nate cut across the snow covered path, something in the distance caught his eye. It was big and white. Nate slowly closed the distance between him and the strange figure. But he drew in a sharp breath and fell to the ground. When he finally saw what it was, it was a giant snow creature that Nate thought looked abominable. It didn't look like something that was built by a normal human being. But then Nate remembered a story his mother had read to him. It talked about snow creatures who help those in need. Nate wondered if that story might be true. Slowly. He walked to the snow sculpture and touched it, it started moving and making gruff sounds as if Nate's simple touch had brought it to life. Nate's eyes widened as he watched a huge snowman stretch his icy hands. Then he regarded Nate with a surprisingly kind look. Are you lost little one? The creature asked in a deep voice. Nate blinked but nodded. Don't worry, I'll help you. The snowman said, Nate finally smiled, relieved that the creature wasn't ill intentioned but he was curious. So he asked who made you a long time ago? Some Children were playing here in the forest. The snowman began but their laughter and happy voices seemed to bother an evil witch with no Christmas in her heart. What did she do? Nate asked, urging the snowman to continue. She enchanted the forest and erased their footsteps from the snow. So the Children ended up getting lost. Nate realized it was the same thing that had happened to him. Then a kind hearted wizard built me and some other snow creatures. The snowman continued. He cast a spell that allows us all ways to know when someone needs help so we can show up and aid them. The snowman lived up to his word and helped Nate find his way home and before they parted ways, Nate asked what will happen to you. Now, the snowman smiled. I will find other kids who need help just like you. And with that, he disappeared back into the forest. Nate smiled and walked back inside his house. He found his parents waiting for him by the Christmas tree. Where were you? We were worried sick. His mom said Nate gave her a bright smile. Don't worry, mom, I'm home now, but she really didn't need to worry. The world was full of good deeds that showed themselves in very unexpected ways.