"Ahoy, matey! There be Unicorns on that island!"
David snapped awake in his New York City bedroom. The voice had sounded so real! He loved pirate stories and wished he could meet a real one. His Mom always told him it was important to be grateful for what you had, but sometimes a little adventure would be more fun! He decided to go ask her about Unicorns, just in case she knew how to find one!
David’s Mom was reading in the living room. “Unicorns?” she said, “Why those are magical creatures! They bring light and joy wherever they go! Some say they even cry rainbows!” David’s eyes grew wide. “Rainbows?” he breathed. That sounded amazing!
Just then, something shimmered outside their window. It sparkled and shimmered, growing larger and larger. Before either of them could move, a HUGE pirate ship materialized in the sky outside, a giant skull and crossbones waving from the masthead!
“Well shiver me timbers!” a booming voice called down. “It be a wee lad who be wishin’ for adventure! Come aboard and bring yer Mom too!” David grabbed his Mom’s hand and before she could say a word, they were whisked up, up, up onto the deck of the ship.
Pirates swarmed around them, singing and dancing. One had a parrot on his shoulder, squawking “Ahoy there, mateys!” David laughed. It was even better than he imagined! He spotted a big, friendly looking pirate with a long, black beard.
“Excuse me,” said David politely. His Mom had taught him that good manners were important, even on a pirate ship. “We’re looking for Unicorns. Have you seen any?” The pirate chuckled. “Aye, lad. Unicorns love treasure! And there be a magical treasure chest hidden on this here ship! But be warned, it be guarded by the ghost of Captain Grumbles, and he be a grumpy one! Only those with grateful hearts can find it.”
David and his Mom followed the pirate below deck. It was dark and spooky, lit by flickering lanterns. Cobwebs hung everywhere and they could hear the squeak of rats in the walls! Finally, they reached a locked door. “Here it be,” whispered the pirate. “But beware! Only those with grateful hearts can open it.” Then, he scurried away down the passageway.
David looked around. The room was dark and dusty. Then, he noticed faint, shimmering lights coming from a corner. As he got closer, the lights grew brighter, and he saw it – a big, beautiful treasure chest! David reached out to touch it, but as soon as his fingers brushed against the cold metal, a ghostly figure appeared, moaning and groaning!
“Who dares disturb the treasure of Captain Grumbles?” the ghost boomed. David took a deep breath. “My name is David. I want to see the treasure because… because I am grateful for my Mom! She’s the best Mom in the whole world!”
The ghost shimmered and flickered. “Grateful are ye?” he rasped. “Nobody’s been grateful on this ship for hundreds of years!” He began to fade away and the heavy lock on the treasure chest clicked open! David took a deep breath and lifted the heavy lid.
Inside, nestled in sparkling jewels, was… a tiny, white… kitten? It mewed pitibly. David carefully lifted it out. As soon as he did, the kitten began to glow and grow! Before their eyes, it transformed into a beautiful unicorn, its horn sparkling with rainbow colors!
The Unicorn dipped its head to David. “You have a grateful heart,” it said. “Thank you for freeing me! Now, let’s get you and your Mom back home.” The Unicorn touched its horn to David’s forehead and suddenly they were back in their living room, the pirate ship disappearing into the night sky.
David hugged his Mom. He had so much to tell her! He had learned that gratitude could be the greatest adventure of all! And as he drifted off to sleep that night, he could have sworn he saw a flash of rainbow colors outside his window. He smiled. Maybe there were real Unicorns after all!
