The Thirteenth Window

Once upon a time, in a small and peaceful village, there stood a big old house on the edge of a forest. Everyone in the village called it Willow House. It had twelve tall windows that sparkled in the sun, and it looked almost magical. But people said it had thirteen windows, not twelve. The thirteenth window was different.

No one ever saw that thirteenth window from the outside. But those who went inside said there was a strange, small window on the top floor — high and round, hidden behind a heavy curtain. The village children called it The Thirteenth Window, and many were too scared to talk about it.

But not Ella.

Ella was an 8-year-old girl who loved stories, adventures, and mysteries. She lived with her grandma just two houses away from Willow House. Every day, she passed the big house on her way to school and always looked up to count the windows. "One, two, three... twelve!" she whispered, "Where’s the thirteenth one?"

One sunny morning, Ella saw something very strange. As she passed Willow House, a soft flicker of light shone through the highest window, behind the curtain. It was like someone had lit a candle inside. Ella stopped and stared.

“Did I just see that?” she whispered.

That night, she told her grandma about the glowing window.

“Oh dear,” her grandma said with a smile, “They say something or someone waits behind that glass. But don’t be scared. Some windows are just waiting for the right eyes to look through them.”

Ella didn’t understand, but she became even more curious.

The next day after school, she decided to explore. She packed a small bag with a flashlight, some crackers, and her lucky marble. Then, with a deep breath, she stepped through the gate of Willow House. The door creaked open by itself.

CREEEEAK!

“Hello?” she called, her voice echoing. But no one answered.

The house smelled like old books and rain. The wooden floor creaked under her tiny feet. She tiptoed through the rooms until she found the staircase. It spiraled up and up, leading to the top floor.

There it was — the curtain. Thick and red, hanging like a secret.

Ella walked slowly to it, her heart beating like a drum.

She pulled it aside...

There it was — The Thirteenth Window.

It was round and dusty, but as soon as she touched it, it became clear. On the other side, she didn’t see the village. She didn’t see trees or birds. She saw something else — a glowing garden full of floating lights, smiling creatures, and a small, golden gate.

Ella blinked.

“What is this place?” she whispered.

Suddenly, a soft voice came from the window. It wasn’t scary. It was warm and kind.

“You found me,” said the voice. “I have been waiting for a long time.”

“Waiting for what?” Ella asked, her voice shaking just a little.

“For someone brave and kind to look through. This window leads to the Land of Light — a place where imagination lives. Only children with wonder in their hearts can open it.”

Ella’s eyes sparkled.

“Can I go inside?” she asked.

“Not yet,” the voice replied. “First, you must promise to keep wonder alive. Promise to tell stories, to help others dream, and never forget how to believe in magic.”

“I promise!” said Ella, standing tall.

The window shimmered, and a tiny crystal star floated out. It landed in Ella’s hand.

“This will guide you back one day,” said the voice. “Until then, remember: behind the glass, something good always waits.”

The window slowly dimmed, and the garden disappeared.

Ella walked back home, the star in her pocket and a smile on her face.

From that day on, she told stories in school, helped her friends imagine faraway lands, and even wrote a book one day called “The Thirteenth Window.”

People from far and wide came to see Willow House, but only a few ever saw the light behind the curtain.

And Ella?

She kept her promise. She believed. And every now and then, when the night was quiet, she’d hold the crystal star and whisper:

“I’m still full of wonder.”

Moral of the Story:

Curiosity and kindness can unlock magical things. Never stop believing in your imagination — because sometimes, behind even the smallest window, something wonderful is waiting just for you.