Civil courage: Have the courage to help!

Civil courage in the Neflental: Dare to help courageously!

A new day begins in the Neflental valley. The blossom watch conjures up mist on the valley floor, enveloping everything like a soft cloth. The cherry and violet blossoms glow in pastel pink and lilac. Damp cobwebs glisten in the dew, and mysterious mythical creatures flit between the moss-covered trees in the background. A narrow, white marble path winds its way through the emerald green grass to a hidden waterfall. There, the water rushes like silver rain over pearly white stones.

On this particular morning, Rosa Periwinkle is walking along the marble path. She feels the fresh grass under her feet and hears the splashing of the hidden waterfall. It smells of violets and cherry blossom. Rosa wants to give a particularly beautiful leaf to a friend. But suddenly she hears a loud shout.

Something is moving between the gnarled trees. Two Buchian children, Lilo and Finn, get into an argument. Finn is holding Lilo's favourite amulet in his hand and pulling on it. Lilo shouts loudly, but Finn won't let go. The other children are standing too far away and don't dare come any closer. The mythical creatures watch the scene from the mist, but they don't interfere.

Rosa Periwinkle stops. She senses that something is wrong. Her heart is beating fast. She looks at Lilo and realises how sad and helpless she is. The other children whisper quietly, but no one intervenes. "Should I just go on?" Rosa asks herself. But her gut tells her otherwise.

Suddenly she takes a deep breath. She thinks of the flowers, how they keep lifting their heads in the mist. She knows that Lilo needs help now. Rosa bravely walks towards Finn and Lilo. The pastel colours of the flowers are reflected in her gaze. She speaks loudly and clearly: "Stop it, Finn! Give Lilo her amulet back. It's hers, it's not fair."

It is completely silent for a moment. The mythical creatures also stand still. Finn looks at Rosa in amazement. He looks at the amulet in his hand, then at Lilo, and finally lets it go. Lilo gratefully takes her amulet back. Finn mumbles an apology and slowly walks away.

The other children now come closer, marvelling at Rosa's courage. Lilo hugs Rosa warmly. "Thank you for helping me," Lilo says quietly. The mythical creatures scurry back into the mist. The waterfall roars as always. But something has changed.

At the end of the marble path, the children sit together. They tell each other how difficult it sometimes is to be brave. But Rosa has shown them today: Sometimes all it takes is one step forward. If someone is being treated unfairly, you can help. That's how a small sign grows into great courage. On the Marble Path, in the spring of the Blütenwacht, the children learnt that moral courage means getting involved, even when your heart is pounding. Because doing the right thing is better than simply standing by and watching.

What do we learn from this?

Civil courage is important - not just in Neflental, but everywhere. You too can help others. Have the courage to intervene when someone needs help. You can achieve a lot together, because friendship and solidarity are stronger than fear.

You want the book Order "Pink evergreen and the golden oak leaf" - click here!. Also like to take Contact the author Kira Kimmelmann at or read more short stories by Pink evergreen here.