Jessica's Adventure

1. Jessica’s house

With her long flowing, blond hair, the blue innocent eyes and her mischievous up-nose Jessica seemed to be predestined for adventure. In the evenings, after Jessica had gone to bed, her mother used to write in her book about the day that had passed and five year old Jessica was always mentioned. In their little country house there were more things happening than anyone could ever have imagined.

The country house had a long history, going back to the times of powerful kings and queens, elegant knighthood and hard laboring servants. There was a welcoming atmosphere about it, which caught you already the moment you stood before the white gate, as if saying, "come and share my history with me". First one noticed the flowers in the garden - for every season there was a flower or a tree blooming. Then, when opening the gate, the low bushes along the grated gravel path, leading up to the house, seemed to beam towards you, urging you to continue. Spread around the garden, there were apple trees and birches, living very much in harmony it seemed. The birds had their nests here and their music accompanied you on the way to the little white cottage. Once there, one had the feeling of being at home, of never wanting to leave again. No wonder Jessica had the time of her life!

Today, Jessica was going to the seashore. She had planned it for ages it seemed to her - in fact it was only two days… Her knapsack was packed, the raincoat and boots put on and now she was on her way! The early morning air, still smelling of the rain from the night before, promised adventure! Her mother stood in the doorway of the small white cottage, looking at her daughter, who seemed to dance away across the lawn, smiling. Jessica turned around, waived happily and then she started running through the morning fog, which was reluctantly lifting, letting the early rays of sunshine start the day.

Jessica knew all the trees. While passing, she said good morning to all of them, as if to old friends. "Hello apple-rose-tree, how are you today - were there many bees visiting you last evening?", "Good morning swinging birch - did you sleep well?". Jessica was a friend to all of them. But there was only one tree, which very much spoke to her. Now she was slowing down, a bit out of breath, walking towards the old oak tree. It looked towards the sea but also towards the little cottage. Like this, it always had one side to turn to. When there was too much rain and wind the oak looked towards the cottage and felt the warmth or when it was too hot, the wind from the sea cooled its leaves, letting them shake of the heat and the dust. It was still very early in the morning, but the oak tree was awake. As Jessica arrived, she sighed and took the knapsack from her back, letting it fall at its stem. "Good morning Jessica" the old oak tree said, stretching its branches a bit. "Good morning old oak tree" Jessica said, feeling at home. "Today I am going to the seashore". The oak looked at her surprised - "really? Are you going all that way by yourself?". Jessica was proud. "Yes, my mother said I was old enough to go by myself".