Read by Michael Flamel

The village of Greenfield was known for its picturesque gardens adorned with vibrant roses of all hues. But lately, whispers spread like wildfire through the cobblestone streets—the roses were mysteriously disappearing overnight.

The herbalist, with her keen eye for peculiarities, couldn’t ignore the growing concern among the villagers. She decided to unravel the mystery behind the vanishing roses. Armed with her basket and a curious spirit, she set out on her investigation.

As dusk settled, she found herself tiptoeing through the garden paths, guided only by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the branches. Suddenly, a rustle in the bushes caught her attention. With cautious steps, she approached, only to discover a group of children, standing around dozens of ceramic pots full of roses, mischievously giggling.

“Ah-ha!” exclaimed the herbalist, surprising the children. “So, it was you who’ve been sneaking into the gardens at night.”

The children froze, caught red-handed. One of them, a freckled-faced girl with a guilty smile, stepped forward. “We’re sorry, Miss Herbalist. We just wanted to make potions like the ones you teach us about.”

Elara softened her gaze, understanding dawning in her eyes. “I see. But remember, my little ones, plants are not to be pilfered without permission. They are gifts from nature, and we must treat them with respect.”

Seating herself on a nearby bench, she gestured for the children to join her. Under the silver moon, she shared tales of the herbs’ magic and the importance of stewardship. The children listened intently, their wide eyes reflecting the wisdom she imparted.

“We promise we won’t take any more without asking,” vowed a young boy, his voice earnest.

The herbalist smiled, gently patting his head. “Good. Now, let’s return these roses to their rightful places, shall we?”

Together, they carefully replanted the roses, tenderly nurturing them back to their former glory. As dawn approached, the children bid the herbalist farewell, their hearts lighter with newfound understanding.

The next morning, the village awoke to a sight even more beautiful than before—the gardens bloomed with an abundance of roses, each petal shimmering with dew. And from that day on, the children became the guardians of the village gardens, cherishing the herbs and flowers as precious treasures.

In the quiet corners of Greenfield, the secret of the vanishing roses became a tale of friendship, responsibility, and the enduring bond between nature and humanity.