Cave of Adventure

Chapter 1

~~~~~~~~

Things were really extraordinary for Joel Manner and his sister, Heidi. They were sitting under a tree doing algebra sums when a voice out of nowhere scolded, "Shut the door! How many times do I have to tell you to wipe your feet?" Both children jumped up in surprise, as Joel wondered aloud, "Who said that?" Heidi was puzzled but continued trying to solve sums. Joel, however, was distracted and startled when the same voice spoke again, "Stop whistling!" Now puzzled and somewhat angry, Joel roared back, "I am not whistling!" Heidi jumped a foot and glared at Joel. She hesitated, then asked, "What was that for?" Feeling irritated, Joel did not reply but looked everywhere for the voice. However, there was no one there except for himself and Heidi.

After a while, Heidi glanced up and sighed. Thinking to herself, she muttered, "There is no door to shut and no mat to wipe my feet. That person is crazy." Joel started pacing back and forth. With a sigh, Heidi stood up, packed books into a satchel bag, and joined Joel. Together, they searched for the mysterious voice. Suddenly, they heard the same voice yell, "Where's your handkerchief? Blow your nose! Wipe your feet!" Not long after, they saw a young girl, about five years old, walking towards them. The shy girl asked, "Hi, have you seen Kiki?" Heidi smiled and replied, "Hi, no we haven't seen her, but we did hear her. My name is Heidi and this is my brother, Joel. Who is Kiki?" Just then, a small colorful parrot fluttered by and sat on the girl's shoulder. As Heidi observed the small girl, she noticed a baby dormouse sitting on the girl's other shoulder. The girl noticed Heidi staring and turned away. Just then, a boy the same age as Joel walked towards the younger girl.

As Heidi and Joel had guessed , the boy and girl were siblings as they had the same shiny blond hair . The brother then informed Heidi that the girl was his sister , her name was Amina . He also added softly , " I am Benny , Amina is very shy but she is clever and cute , what is your . . . '' Benny trailed off as he recognised Joel who was talking with Amina and seemed very surprised when Amina told him her brother's name. Heidi , not surprised by both boy's reactions, answered Benny's unfinished sentence ,'' My name is Heidi , I think you know my brother who is thirteen , Joel Manner . " Benny dazed , just nodded . As soon as Amina saw Benny , she looked very excited . Joel , on the other hand, looked puzzled and was amused when he saw Benny teasing Amina gently .

Joel smiled and told Heidi Amina could attract animals . Barely minutes later , an awkward silence drifted among the nod and left her alone . siblings . At that very moment , Kiki the parrot broke the awkward silence by exclaiming " Bad boy , naughty boy ! Wipe your feet ! " ending with an excellent imitation of a car horn . Kiki apparently had gotten what she wanted , as laughter arose from Benny , Amina joined in leaving Heidi with an amused smile tugging on the side of her mouth.

Joel , feeling slightly nervous, gave a shaky laugh . Kiki the parrot sat on his shoulder and made crooning noises. Just then , Benny suggested , “ Amina , let’s go for a walk . Joel , Heidi . Do you want to come with us ? “ Joel and Heidi exchanged glances , Heidi nodded . Joel stared at Heidi in surprise . “ Nevermind , Heidi , “ Joel muttered under his breath . The siblings followed the others as Benny brought the group to a hill on the far side of their school . Together , the children climbed up the hill and sat down at the top to enjoy the beautiful sunset that came up on the horizon. As the children stared at the sunset , not daring to talk while taking in the whole captured moment . Amina smiled shyly at Heidi who smiled back.