The Hidden Garden
Lena had always been curious about the old iron gate at the edge of her grandmother’s garden. Its dark metal bars were entwined with vines and roses, and a heavy rusted lock hung from the center. Every summer, she would sit by the gate, running her fingers along the rough iron, wondering what lay beyond it.
One warm afternoon, while her grandmother was napping, Lena noticed something strange — the lock was gone. Her heart raced as she pushed the gate open, the creaking sound cutting through the quiet afternoon. Beyond the gate lay a narrow stone path, lined with tall hedges and bright wildflowers. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting golden patterns on the ground.
She stepped cautiously down the path, her fingers brushing against the petals of lavender and daisies. Soon, she reached a clearing where a large marble fountain stood, its waters shimmering under the sunlight. At the base of the fountain sat a small boy, his dark hair falling over his pale face. He looked up at her with wide, curious eyes.
"Who are you?" Lena asked softly.
"I'm Ethan," the boy replied, standing up. "I’ve been waiting for you."
"Waiting for me?"
Ethan smiled faintly. "My family lived here long ago. But the garden was locked when they left, and I've been here ever since."
Lena frowned. "Alone?"
Ethan nodded. "Until you came."
Lena took a step toward him. "How can I help you?"
Ethan glanced toward the fountain. "There’s a key hidden beneath the stones. If you find it, the garden will open completely, and I can finally leave."
Lena knelt by the fountain, running her hands along the cool, smooth stones. After a moment, her fingers brushed against something cold and metallic. A small, silver key glinted in her hand. She stood and held it out to Ethan.
Ethan smiled, his form shimmering as a golden light surrounded him. "Thank you, Lena."
As the light faded, Ethan was gone, but the garden around her felt warmer, brighter. The roses seemed to bloom fuller, the air smelled sweeter, and the sound of the fountain’s water was clearer.
Lena smiled to herself as she walked back toward the gate. The garden was no longer hidden
— and neither was her heart.