Read by Michael Flamel

OOnce upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled between lush forests and rolling hills, lived a young boy named James. James was a nature enthusiast, and his heart belonged to the great outdoors. He spent every spare moment exploring the woods and hills near his home, getting to know the secrets of the forest and the creatures that called it home.

One late afternoon, with a spirit of adventure burning brightly within him, James set out on a quest to venture farther into the woods than he had ever gone before. He wandered deep into the heart of the forest, chasing the mysteries that whispered from beneath the leaves and shadows. Hours passed, and as the sun began to dip below the horizon, a creeping sense of unease enveloped him. James realized he was lost.

With the setting sun as his only guide, he decided to walk away from its descending rays toward the east, hoping it would lead him back home. Yet, as minutes turned into hours, his surroundings grew more unfamiliar. Panic gnawed at the edges of his mind, and he found himself standing in the middle of a tranquil glade, surrounded by towering trees. A large outcropping of rocks dominated the center of the glade, and atop this rocky throne perched a giant butterfly, its wings unfurled, casting a soft, otherworldly glow in the dimming light.

The butterfly, two or three times the size of James, seemed to be studying him with a curious gaze, its wings moving with graceful deliberation. Strangely, James felt no fear but rather a strange sense of connection. He cautiously approached the colossal creature, and to his amazement, it climbed down from its rocky perch, turned its back to him, and lowered itself until its enormous thorax was level with James.

Inexplicably, James knew what to do. He climbed aboard the butterfly, his small hands gripping its magnificent thorax tightly. With a thought and an earnest wish, he communicated his readiness to the butterfly. Without a moment’s hesitation, the colossal insect began to flap its colossal wings, creating a mesmerizing whirlwind of air. Slowly but steadily, they ascended into the evening sky.

James felt an overwhelming rush of exhilaration as they soared above the forest, the treetops dancing beneath them like a sea of green waves. The wind whistled past his ears, and his heart pounded with excitement. In the distance, he could see the familiar landmarks that marked the path to his family’s farm, a beacon of hope.

As they approached the farm, the giant butterfly executed a graceful, sweeping landing in the field behind James’ house. With utmost care, James dismounted from his fantastical steed, his heart brimming with gratitude. The giant butterfly turned to face him, cocked its head as if to say farewell, and then, with a powerful leap, it took to the sky once more, disappearing into the velvety embrace of the night.

From that day forward, James never forgot his encounter with the giant butterfly. He often found himself gazing at the evening sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of his magnificent friend soaring over the forest. Whenever he did, a warm smile spread across his face, for he knew that in the heart of the wilderness, extraordinary friendships could be found, and the most fantastical adventures could unfold. ❖