Punctuality: How to become a time hero!

Story from the Neflental: Punctuality - How to become a time hero!

The lantern grove in the Neflental valley came to life. Spring had coloured the meadows and the cedars wore their green splendour. Lanterns in ruby red, emerald, sunshine yellow and night blue hung between the dark branches. A light evening breeze made them sway as the inhabitants of the valley gathered under the trees. They laughed, talked and looked forward to the big gathering, which only took place once every spring.

The grand plan in Neflental

An important guessing game was due to begin that evening. In the Neflental, everyone was usually enthusiastic because solving riddles is great fun. But today, of all days, the meeting point was changed. A messenger ran through the fern forest and shouted: "Come to the lantern grove! Wear your best clothes! Time is running out!" Now everyone knew that the riddle game was about to start. This is your chance to become a time hero!

Nobody in the Neflental wanted to be late. Rosa Periwinkle heard the news first. She immediately jumped up, pulled her red-leafed shawl tighter around her shoulders and stuffed her little treats into the colourful bag. Then she giggled and shouted: "I want to be the first one there today! I'll show everyone how to be on time!"

Challenge on the mirror pass

The shortest route to the lantern grove led over the dreaded Spiegelpass. The mountain path was so smooth that it reflected the blue sky like a mirror. Every step had to be right, otherwise you would slip on the ice and snow. Many inhabitants of the Neflental valley hesitated, but Rosa Periwinkle counted the minutes: "The more punctual I am, the greater my chance of becoming a real time hero!"

She grabbed a sturdy branch, focussed and put one foot after the other. "Slow and careful, but also brave," she thought and then even picked up momentum when she saw the largest glittering spot on the mirror pass. She quickly realised that the path became easier the more she paid attention and thought ahead.

Friends waiting in the lantern grove

The Buchians and Flossians were already waiting in the lantern grove. They admired the lanterns, drank sweet nectar and looked curiously at the evening sky. The game was due to start soon, but many were still missing. Rosa Periwinkle dashed across the meadow and shouted with a laugh: "Neflental, I'm here - and right on time!"

Everyone admired her, because rarely had anyone arrived so early. She explained: "I simply started everything on time. Because I hurried and found a clever shortcut, I was able to be on time." The others clapped enthusiastically and wanted to know how she had managed it.

How to become a time hero in the Neflental valley

Rosa Immergrün shared her tips with the curious friends: Start early enough, because sometimes an icy mirror pass gets in the way! Plan your route, think about whether you can take a shortcut. Make a short list of everything you want to take with you. Always remember: If you are prepared, you will arrive on time!

In Neflental, everyone realised that punctuality can be great fun. Everyone is happy when someone arrives at the right time. Rosa Immergrün became a time hero and then even helped others to get to the lantern grove on time. With a smile, she became a role model for punctual behaviour.

When the lanterns lit up in the gentle breeze and the guessing game began, everyone was ready. The day turned into a wonderful celebration. Neflental showed that punctuality is something everyone can learn. Even small steps and good planning make you a time hero!

What do we learn from this?

In Neflental, everyone realised how important punctuality is. Those who start on time, plan and bravely take shortcuts end up being on time and have great adventures with their friends. Everyone feels like a real time hero, and that makes everyday life colourful and easy.

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