a short story for children (and adults too)
by Adrian Newington

One cold Autumn day, Erin heard the sound of rustling leaves and crashing branches outside her window. She jumped onto the couch and stared out of the large lounge room window. She thought to herself, "What a blowy, windy day. Who would want to go out on a day like this?"

It was so warm inside, and so cold and grey outside. Erin felt wonderfully happy and safe in her home. The heater was on and the radio was playing lovely music; cooking smells filled the house from the cake that Mum was baking.

After looking outside for some time in a very intent manner, Erin snuggled up to her Dad and said, "Dad, why do the leaves on the trees have to die?"

Dad put down his book and gave her a cuddle as he began to speak.

"Well little one, the trees have to have a rest you know." He stood up and took her back to the window and continued to talk. "That tree out there spent all summer growing apricots for us, and the tree with the swing on it gives us all that lovely shade on those very hot summer days. They've worked very hard for us darling, they need a sleep too, and very soon, all those leaves will fall to the ground and become part of the soil once more.

When the spring comes again, the trees will find the soil to be rich and healthy from the leaves that fell to the ground. Dad looked at Erin and saw how serious she thought it all was. He looked at her and gave a little chuckle. "Besides," he said, trying to look serious too, "We need the Magic."

"Magic!" said Erin with BIG, WIDE curious eyes. "What Magic, Dad?"

"Didn't I tell you? I'm sure I did. You know. About catching an Autumn leaf?"

"You've never told me that before Dad! What happens when you catch an Autumn leaf ?"

"Why, you get a wish!", he said as if it was the greatest known fact of all time. "Are you sure I haven't told you that before? I must have."

"No you haven't, Dad. I promise. Please tell me about it".

"Well!," he said on his way back to his seat, making himself ready for his speech. "It's like this: If you're walking outside, and you see a leaf falling your way, you'll get a wish if you manage to catch it before it reaches the ground. Close your eyes and hold it near your heart and make a wish. After you've said your wish, you must keep your eyes closed and let it continue to fall to the ground".

"Can I wish for anything Dad?" "Yes, you can, but remember, some wishes are better than others."

"How Dad?"

"Well, there are different sorts of wishes you know. Firstly, there are kind wishes, and then there simple wishes, and there are thoughtless wishes."

"What's a kind wish Dad?" "A kind wish is the sort of wish that you would make for someone else."

"What sort of wish would a thoughtless wish be?"

"Well, a thoughtless wish is the kind of wish made by a person who is always thinking of themselves. They're always wanting things; they forget about people."

Erin thought deeply about this and then said, "Dad, would a kind wish be a wish to help someone stop making thoughtless wishes?"

"It sure would be. In fact, I would say that would have to be among the best sort of wishes you could ever wish for."

"And what's a simple wish?"

"Oh, that might be something like wishing to find a lost toy or doll. I wouldn't make a wish like that because sooner or later, lost things like that turn up anyway. Just a little bit of patience would do the same thing"

"Dad, I don't know what sort of wish I should make?"

"You make whatever sort of wish you want darling. Just make the wish that seems good and right in your heart." Erin came close to her Dad and said, "Oh please Dad, can we go and catch some leaves now?"

"What!? Now!? It's freezing out there!"