Hello,my dear friends!I am Hanna,who created the story of Matthew and Anna.I came from Shanxi province in China,a place far away from your home.And like you,I like to read interesting stories and have a lot of imagination.In my free time,I want to put my colorful thoughts into pictures and drawings,so I have tried my best to demonstrate my story to you.And you will like the story and want to be friends with Matthew!
? If you see a girl wearing thick glasses and dresses out of date,then that is me----a girl with little beauty and attraction.So I want to create a character who is very beautiful and liked by everyone.So Matthew is born in my mind.Despite his kindness,innocence and beauty,he is attacked by bad people and hurts a lot.However,he was saved by Anna and has a new born!Having experienced the disaster,Matthew now becomes strong in mind and will not be afraid of any bad relationship and people anymore.Sometimes people around you may hurt you.But what ypu need to do is keep strengthening your own mind just like Matthew!I mean,if you are strong and beautiful enough,both in mind and appearance,you will be calm,happy and ready for the challenges throughout your life.
? I hope this book can be a gift for you,both now and in the future.If you are depressed and down,unable to see the objective,I hope you open up this book,and find the power and energy to face the tough reality and growth!
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Your friend Hanna
Part One Beginning
Chapter one We will miss you!
Born in a village far away from the town,Matthew has a not rich but happy life.His father is a teacher and his mother operates a supermarket,the only supermarket in the town.He grows up there,and has many friends,among whom Black is his best friend.He really likes his life here,and figures it is the best place to live.
One usual afternoon when they finish the class and play in the river,laughing and joking,with the rest of sunshine covering the horizon of the water,Matthew suddenly want to live at the moment forever.It is so beautiful that he doesn't want time pass by.
Finding Matthew stop playing,Black asks curiously,"Matthew,you are always attentive in class,but why are your minds get lost when playing?"Matthew couldn't describe his feelings to them clearly,so he just says"nothing but a butterfly".
“Chacha”,the sound of the camera surprises the kids a lot.It is Matthew’s father！He took a picture of the moment and waves to them.Then he comes over,jumping into the river too.”You seem to have a fun time,my boys!”Hearing that,they laugh at each other.Then they are prepared to go home.
“Another ordinary but happy day,”Matthew says to himself.However,this day is destinate to be different in his life.
“Matthew,”at the short break of the joyful chat,his father changes into a serious face,seeming to announce something important,”We have to leave.”
“Leave?To where?”Matthew asks casually,thinking they must be going to the town to purchase some daily devices,and will return after a few days.Then he takes a water gun in hand,trying to shoot Shell in front of him.Shell flees and the water shoots on Henry.
“We have to leave for a long time.My job has changed and we all have to move to the town.”Father says in gentle and patient tone as usual,but the words are like thunders in Matthew and other three boys' mind.Matthew has never thought about leaving the village he loves deeply and moving into an unfamiliar place ,far away from his friends and classmates.Black and Shell are also shocked about this heartbreaking news.
“When shall we leave?”Matthew asks,trying to keep his voice steady and calm.
“Today.Before the sun sets and the evening comes.Matthew,take some time to say goodbye with your friends.Mom is packaging the things onto the track.”
Black,Henry and Shell are also very shocked about the bad news.They have been growing up together,never being separated apart.They haven't imagined what will the life be like without Matthew.They forget about emotions.They forget about words.They just stand here,with their minds going blank.
So does Matthew.Although he is upset about leaving the village he loves deeply,he is a reasonable boy and understands his parents' tough situations.So hesitant for a while,Matthew goes on with his father and says to his friends,"Come and see me at the old place 50 minutes later！"Then he goes back and helps his mom pack the daily uses.
It is not until they pack all their luggages that Matthew realizes how many happy memories he has had here. The pile of drawings,a hand-made lantern,as well as a large number of toys,etc.,all of which has prints of Matthew's growth here.However there are many things to pack,and Matthew can't take them all.He takes the picture of his there friends and he,and a bear toy who has companied him for 9 years.
It doesn't take them too much time to get the things down.They go on the big track driven by his dad,and then stops at the little forest where the boys always gather.Black and Shell have already waited here.
? ? Matthew jumps down the track,and takes out two robot toys to them.These two are his favorite and he has never let other boys play it.They all know the importance and the value of the toys.So Black and Shell take the gift carefully,and says"Thank you" to Matthew.
? Then Black hands out his hat to Matthew,which is made by himself.He has intended to send him the gift on his birthday,but the leaving suddenly comes.
? "Take it to the town,Matthew,"Black chokes,"when the sun rays are too strong,you wear it,and you will never get burned.When the winter and snow comes,you wear it,and you will never be covered by the snow."Taking the delicate hat in his hand,Matthew feel a stream of warmth running through his mind."I will take it wherever I go,"Matthew chokes either.They are so upset and sorrowful that a word is difficult to be made.
? “Don't cry，my boys.Men never cry.”Matthew's father looks out of the track's window? and yell at them，trying to make this atmosphere more relaxing.Hearing this,the boys make great efforts to dry their tears and pretend to be mature men,just like the novels have described.
? Shell takes out a little red house with cool decoration."This is what you must like!"Shell says excitedly,"Treat it well.I haven't played it for much times!"Then they all burst out into laughter.The house has a complicated mechanism in it,and can light and sing songs,which is the gift sent by his aunt buying from the town.Many kids want to play it,but Shell rejects.
? What Henry brings is a bottle-made cup with a painting of bird in it.He has a flexible hand and has done many beautiful works,of which he likes the bird bottle most.They all want to know how he makes it.He just says"the power of friendship".
? Matthew takes these precious gifts in his arms,and hugs their friends."These gifts are so precious and I will place them in my heart forever!"Matthew says with firm attitude.
? It is time to leave.His friends look him get onto the large car,and closing the side of the door.Then the engine goes on.As the track moving,Black,Henry and Shell yell to Matthew's direction,"We will miss you all the time!",and wave.
? Hearing the sounds,Matthew turns back,and sees his friends waving at him.He waves to them too.Their figures are becoming smaller and smaller,but they still stand there.Tears rolling in Matthew's eyes,finally Matthew can't control them and let them down their cheeks.Matthew's mom puts him into her arms and pats him slightly:
? ? "Everything will be fine,my little boy."
Chapter two:New environment,new faces
? The views outside the window keeps changing,from tree's shadows to grey road,from sheep to crowds.It seems a century for Matthew to get to the town.Then the moon brings up,Matthew is so tired about what has happened today and fells into sleep.
In tonight's dream,Matthew is playing a bumper car and he feels the shaking and vibration of the vehicle.
? The sunlights wake Matthew up.He is still in mom's arms and mom isn't awake.Dad has driven the car for a night,and he is yawning while driving.
? The sight is quite different from what Matthew has been familiar with.The morning market is holding and people gather here,trying to push others aside,which makes Matthew feel confused.When he look up into the sky,there are countless tall buildings appearing into his vision."One,two…"Matthew tries to count their layers,"fourty-five,fourty-six…"Eighty!How astonishing they are!
? ? Then the car drives into a alley,and stoppes.Dad jumps down the track,and tells Matthew and mom they have arrived."Matthew,will you help us to send the stuffs to our new house?" his dad asks him with a large pile on his back.
"Of course!I have already grown up."Then he walks straight to the largest instrument,but fails to move it.Seeing,this,his parents burst out into laughter.Mom gives him a bag and give a suggestion,"Maybe we can start from something easy to carry." A little embarrassed,he takes the bag and runs to his new house.
The house is much smaller than their house in village,but it is clean and comfortable.
They rent it from an old and kind couple,and they will travel around the world for years.
It takes them a day to clean the room and settle everything down.Matthew's room has a desk for writing and studying.He puts the gifts on it,which will always evoke those beautiful memories in Matthew's mind and heart.
? Matthew is assigned to a primary school near their house,Maple Street School.He likes the name if his school because he loves the maple tree,especially in autumn.At the night before going to school,Matthew's mom put the new textbooks into his new schoolbag,kisses Matthew and turns off the light.This time,Matthew dreams that he goes into a school which is made by maples,as well as the books.When he takes out this paper-made book,every student laughs at him.So does himself.
? The next day,Matthew put on the brand new uniform,looking himself through the mirror."Hi,my name is Matthew."He practices it for many times and wants to demonstrate the best of him.After eating the breakfast,his father sends him to the school.
? Around 8 a.m.,the bell rings,and the teacher Mary walks into the classroom with a cute boy."Class,today we will have a new classmate.Matthew,introduce yourself to the class."
? Seeing new faces he never meets before,he smiles and begins to introduces himself.
He talks about his experience in the village,which makes students interested.They listen attentively and like this easy-going and innocent boy.
? Matthew then takes out some specialties,sending them to the classmates and teachers.How warm and cute he is!Many students thinks,except one girl Eres.She looks down upon villagers and hates these old native produces,and she throws them into the rubbish bin.
? After class,many classmates come to Matthew and share the schools rules and funny experiences to the tiny boy.When they are talking about the ban on hair dyeing,a girl bursts out a scream and running uneasily.There is a large cockroach on her hair,and she is extremely afraid.However,no one dares to catch it off.
? Matthew has seen many kinds of strange insects in the village,so he doesn't fear to make it.He tells the girl not to move and move it off by hand.The crowd burst out into cheers and are overwhelmed by Matthew's courage.
? When they all come to their seats,the girl comes to Matthew with a boy.The girl has a black straight hair,wearing glasses on her beautiful face.She seems to be a little shy,and her face goes blushed.The boy by her side has larges eyes and outgoing smile,with brown curly hair.They seem to be totally different from each other.
? The boy begins first,"Hello,Matthew,my name is Kevin,thank you very much for helping my sister!"Matthew is a little surprised to know they are twins.and the girl says,"My name is Kate,thank you very much,Matthew!Can we be friends with you?"Matthew thinks that helping students is what he should do and is happy to have friends."sure!I am very glad to have my first friends!"he smiles brightly,feel the first day of new school is wonderful.
? Time goes fast.Soon it is time to have a lunch.Unconsious about what happens,Matthew sees the class has all gone out of the classroom immeadiately.Kate and Kevin come to him and drag him into the crowds army."What are people hurry for?"Matthew asks when he is running with them."The canteen here is full of people.If you want to have a lunch,you must act quickly!"Kate turns back,explaining to him.
? With Kate and Kevin's help,Matthew manages to have a wonderful rice lunch.After a long search,they finally find seats and settle."I haven't seen such a grant situation!"Matthew says loudly so that his new friends could hear him clearly.Kate and Kevin look at each other and laugh.Kate wipe away the tears of laughter from the corners of her eyes,"Let him tell you what had happened last month."Matthew becomes more and more confused.What funny thing makes them so happy?
? Kevin pauses for a while,and tells Matthew,"On a Monday three weeks ago,I charged to the dinning hall to be the first.When I arrived the gate of the canteen,I rushed with out hesitant,and my nose ran into the vitreous gate！"This time three people all laugh.Matthew feel happy to have two humorous friends and make his first day at school easier and happier.
? After school,he finds his mom stands in front of the school gate,waiting for him.He runs to mom excitedly,and they go back home together.
? "How's your day,Matthew?"
? "Excellent!I have already make to friends in our class,and they help me a lot!Ms,Mary is also very kind and assists me to make up the learning I have to do.I really like this new city and life here!"
Chapter three:Something unpleasant
? Do you have a classmates that jealous about other people's excellence and do bad things on them?Esme is that kind of person.
? She is born in a wealthy family with large amount of business,and she has servants to take after her life.She even has a specific room for storing dolls,another for her clothes,etc.Because her mother is an actress,she is very beautiful and everyone sees her is overwhelmed by her beauty.However,she is spoil-fed,and has a bad temper,She isn't content about her life,especially after Matthew comes to her class.Matthew is a villager and even his language is dialect,which makes Esme looks down upon him.However,other classmates like Matthew,and she has a sense of failure.On the other hand,She feels that her attraction is decreasing and more and more classmates talk to Matthew.This makes her jealous.How can a villager stand frontier than her?That is ridiculous!
? It is awful that Matthew's new seat is right by Esme' side,which influences Esme' mood.Every time Matthew tries to say hello or have a chat with her,she always rolls her eyes and says"damn it",as if talking with him is a dirty thing.
? However,Matthew doesn't take it seriously.He think that Esme might just experiences bad things,and she is in bad mood now.He becomes more careful and friendly to Esme,though there are no good response.
? One day,Lily,who is Esme' best friend,loses her wallet and cries sadly.Not only does it has 400 dollars,but also it is a luxury and worths 56000 dollars."It is a big gift my grand ma gives my mom,if I lost it,they will be heartbroken…"Seeing her friend so upset,the noon's details suddenly comes into Esme' mind.So she smiles complacently,and tells the whole class:
? "Matthew is the thief!"
? The class goes into silence.They don't believe Matthew can do this.
? Matthew is a little panicked."No.I am not the thief!"
? "If you are not,why are you so nervous about my accusation?"
? Kevin is angry about what she has said about his friend,"We all know what kind of? person Matthew is.Don't talk nonsense!"
? Esme doesn't response to him and continue,"The wallet is lost at noon,and only Matthew is staying in our classroom!If you are not the thief,can you say who is the thief?"
? Matthew's mind goes blank.He was asleep on the desk,and wasn't aware of someone stealing the wallet!
? "No,I can't.I am sleeping that time.If you don't believe in me,we can go to the monitor room and see the whole process."Matthew says reluctantly.
? "There is no use.The monitor is broken last month."A student says.
? Seeing the reverence,Esme smiles again.
? "Don't forget Matthew's family is poor.Matthew,if you want financial assistance,you can ask for help directly,and I believe classmates will help you.Why do you want to stole Lily's wallet?"
The class boils,falling into hot discussion.
Matthew is so wronged that he is almost crying out.But he can't find a word to explain for himself.
The bell rings,and Mary comes in.The class soon become quiet.
This class mainly talks about the importance of honesty.When the teacher refers? to the examples of the people who has cheated others,Matthew feels some eyes are looking at him with disdain and contempt.That is uncomfortable.
"Ashley,could you please share us with your experience concerning dishonesty?"Mary asks.Ashley stands up,and says without hesitation,"Stealing other people's stuffs is dishonest and immoral.We shouldn't play with a thief."The class boils again,many students expressing agreement.
Kate stands up,trying to reverse his opinion,"We shouldn't judge a person without evidence.That is unfair and dishonest too."However,her voice is covered by questioning.
"Will you be friends with a thief?Then you are a thief too!"A boy shouts.
"Listen,Kate wants to become a thief!"Ashley yells and many people looks at her with contempt too.
Mary finds the strange atmosphere and let the class be quiet.
"What has happened here?"She asks seriously.
The monitor explains the whole process to Ms.Mary.After hearing the accusation,Mary is a little bit angry."Who makes the accusation to him?"she asks the classmates.
"It's me.I have seen Matthew taking the wallet and back to home."Esme stands out with confidence.
"You haven't said it before!"Kevin and Matthew shout angrily.
"I forgot to say.Now I am the evidence."Esme sticks out her tongue at them.
Without other evidences,Mary and Lily make the decision to go to Matthew's home and search for the wallet during the break.Matthew's mom greets them warmly and politely with tea and milk.Knowing their motivation of visiting,Matthew's mom firmly denies Matthew's doing this."In our family,stealing is the most serious problem.If you want to search,you can search every corner of our house."Overwhelmed by her firm will,Lily begins to change her thoughts.
The result is absolutely nothing.Mary also doesn't believe Matthew can do this."There is no evidence of Matthew being the theif.What we need to do is trusting and finding the real thief and the wallet."
As everyone sigh up,Esme says loudly that Matthew have already sells the wallet and changes it into money.Then she points at Matthew's new hat which is made by Black.Now the class questions Matthew again.The only two student who fully trusted Matthew begin to have doubts and don't play with him anymore because of the public's pressure.Matthew is helpless and doesn't know how to change the situation.
Lily searches her schoolbag and the desk again.Finally she finds the wallet in the crack of the bag.She wants to show it to others and announce it is just a misinformation.However,Esme stops her action.
Lily is very confused."Why shouldn't I tell the truth?Everybody has the right to know it."
"Think twice before make the action.We have already spread the news of Matthew being the thief,If we suddenly change it into an careless accident,what will people regard you?Atrouble-making,overcomplicated princess?"Esme says by her ears.
That is terrible.Lily thinks."Then could you please tell me what should I do to make things better?"
"Just pretend you still can't find the wallet,letting Matthew be the guilty sheep forever.We should think about ourselves first,after all."Esme smiles considerably,as if she is really caring about Lily's situation.
"Maybe you are right."Hesitant for a while,Lily decides to hide the truth.
Esme is happy to see the attractive Matthew being hated by his classmates.
Chapter four:Why are they don't like me?
? Being isolated is an awful thing that no one wants to experience it.However,Matthew is being isolated by his classmates.
? Because the wallet's thief hasn't been found,Matthew is considered to be the criminal suspect.The crisis seems to be endless.As the rumors is spread by students,more and more people misunderstand Matthew,and Matthew's fame is becoming worse and worse.
? Esme is still making her efforts.She also tell people that Matthew has left his previous school just because he had stoled teacher's watch and been dismissed by the headmaster.The rumors is so rich and detailed that more and more people begin to trust it,standing opposite Matthew."Take care of your property and beware of the thief!"When Matthew goes over,Esme always shouts to others,making Matthew very embarrassed.He doesn't understand why he has become a guilty one without doing anything.
? Sometimes when Esme makes things too extreme,Lily wants to persuade her to be kind and don't hurt the innocent boy.However,each time she say good words for Matthew,Esme's face suddenly become annoyed,and she even warns Lily,"Have you already forgotten what situation you will face after doing it?I am doing so to protect you."Lily can do nothing but shut up and see the things become worse and worse.She know Esme hates Matthew,but she thinks what she has done is too extreme and have very bad influences.
? During the lunch time,Matthew goes to sit with Kate and Kevin and wants to have a chat with them.However,the instance he sits down,Kate can feel people's eyes drawn to them,which makes her nervous.They are being afraid of being isolated too.So Kevin just says,"Matthew,we are sorry that we can't play with you anymore.Please understand it…"These words are like knives hurt Matthew's heart deeply.He manages a smile and leave the seat.The only two person once stood by his side leave him."Now I am the most lonely person in the world."Matthew says to himself bitterly.
? Matthew suffers a lot in the following days.No matter how hard he has tried to fit in with people,nobody listen to him.Nobody plays with him.It is cruel,especially to a little boy.
? Matthew hide himself in the tall grass to get away from students' mocks.Hearing other classmates' playing and laughing,he feels upset.How do things go to such a problem?He think hard about it,but he still can't find out the answer.He buries his head in his knees and sobs slightly.The school isn't good at all!People only believe in what they have heard and follow others' opinions.This time he really wants to go back to his hometown and get comfortable from Black and Shell.He misses them very much.Tears drop down his cheeks,and he doesn't know how to face others and how to get things right.
? His grades drop.His appearance becomes haggard.He is not the welcome boy any more.It is great that people don't abuse or play tricks on him when he appears.Sometimes people are surprised by his change,but they don't have a pity on him.They think that is a thief's cost.
? One day Matthew can't support himself and faint.The doctor says that he has a severe fever.Matthew is a little bit happy instead of being upset by the disease.He can find a reason to get away from people's aversion and isolation,which makes him suffer a lot.
? He fall into deep sleep.There are countless dreams,good or bad,happiness or pain.He feels that he is tracked in the dream world and hard to get out and wake up.There are a few times he can open up his eyes,seeing his parents being busy around to take care of him.Then he closes his eyes and tries to control his tears.He is sorry about his weakness and cowardice to let his parents worry about him.When he is delirious,he can feel his mom scrubbing his body or feeding him the medicine.
? Matthew has been ill for a week.He can spend all the day lying on the bed,enjoying the warm sunshine and slight wind.He spends hours looking out of the windows,seeing kids fly the kites and the dogs chase each other.He can feel the power of life.His mom spends long times sitting by his side,saying folk songs to him.Matthew likes them very much.He feel it is the happiest time in the town.
? However,when he think about campus,his heart begins to ache and his mind is full of sorrow and pain.The problem almost wears him out.And he haven't had similar sufferings before.He don't want his parents worry about him more,so he doesn't tell them anything about it,swallowing it all by himself.
? As times go by,his physical condition becomes better and better.
"Matthew,you have completely recovered!You can go back to school again!"One morning when mom have tested the temperature for him,she says excitedly.Seeing her vigorous son suffering from the terrible disease is a bad thing.Now he is recovered and can be happy again.
? However,Matthew isn't happy about the good news.In fact,he doesn't want to go to school anymore.
? "Mom,I am still headache…could I please rest for another few days?"Matthew asks putting his hands on his hand.
? "Fine.Rest well,my son."Mom kisses Matthew on his face.Then she goes to work with dad.Matthew has a long sigh about the agreement.
? On the way to work,Matthew's mom talks to her husband,"Haven't you find Matthew being very strange?"
? "Of course!His favorite thing is going to school.Now he doesn't have any excitement about going back."His father says.
? "Not only that.His little face used to be full of smiles and sunshine.Now he seldom smiles.His cheeks always have the prints of tears and blood."His mom adds.There are too many details that is hard to hide Matthew's change.
? "Don't take it seriously.Maybe he is experiencing the teenager stage,and it is normal to have change on his mood.We just be cautious about his growth."He doesn't take it seriously.
? "You are wrong.You know little about our son .When he has troubles,he always hides them in his heart and pretend to be tough enough to overcome it.This time he must encounter a large difficulty.We need to choose a time to talk with him."His mom says to his dad.
Chapter five:Stand up!
? It is not surprising for Matthew's mom to hear Matthew's wish for resting for another few days.Her worry is true.
? "Sure.But you should tell me what had happened at school,Matthew.You are very abnormal these days."His mom says at him in a concerned tone.
? Hesitant for a while,Matthew smiles to her and responses,"Nothing.Please don't worry about me."He don't want to let his complains influence his parents' mood.
? "Fine.But you are not as good as you say.Tell me whenever you would like to."Matthew's mom realizes that he wants to hide the things into his little mind.But she doesn't force him to speak out."Have a good rest,Matthew.Both psychologically and physically."
? Every morning after his parents go to work,Matthew does the cleaning of the house first.He sweeps the floor of all rooms,wipes the tables and windows,and waters the plants.He wants to do something to return for his parent's efforts to give him a better life.Then he turns on the TV,which he liked most in the past time.However,the cartoons and the shows have no attraction to him anymore.He can't get happiness from the shows like before.He feel his heart is bitter,and there is no sweet things can save him.
? Then he turns off the boring TV,sitting by the window and looking at outside.Aunt Andy is still selling flowers at a stall.She is having a nap on the seat.So deeply does she falls into sleep that some customers who comes to buy roses can't wake her up.The little Dalmatian dog sits by her side,which reminds Matthew of the Dalmatian dog he has raised during childhood.After the dog was sent out,he vomited all afternoon for no reason.His mood is a little better.He wishes that he could stay in this being without any change.Yes,he is running away from the difficulties.But that makes him relaxed.
? One day passed.The second day passed.Then the other.Matthew hasn't gone to school for a whole week.He is still running away.He becomes bored and more suffered rather than feeling better.One day he couldn't control jis emotions and cries sadly.He feel he is hated by the world.If not so,why the classmates all accuse him as the thief instead of trusting him?Why are they keep mocking and pushing him out instead of understanding him?He sits on the ground helplessly,unable to stand up.
? Matthew's father and mother go back to home and see this scene.They are very surprised and asks Matthew what had happened to him.This time Matthew tells them about his experience of being accused as a thief and no one justify for or talk to him.
? "I don't want to stay in this school anymore…"His teas rolls down his face,which makes his parents upset too.The trauma's influence can beat down an adult with mature mind,let alone a ten-year old kid."How can a kid's heart be so bad that even frames other innocent person?I must go to school and recover my son's fame!"As mom is about to go to school,Matthew and dad holds her back.
? "Mom,please don't go to school and have a quarrel with that girl."Matthew thinks that is a lose-lose outcome."In think Matthew is right.Although we haven't done such a thing,we don't have enough evidence of our innocence.What we need to do is? to calm down and think about the solution."dad says.
? "No matter how other people question you,you should act confidently.'I haven't stolen the wallet,that is a truth.'Let other people blindly follow the rumors and you choose to be the right one.Remember,don't be influenced by other people,especially the bad influences."Finally,mom tells Matthew these words.Matthew thinks they are very powerful.He gets lots of energy from it.But he thinks that is hard."It's difficult,mom.I am sorry I am not a brave guy…"
? "Hesitant for what?"dad interrupts his weak statements."Just stand up!"He pulls Matthew up,and pats his shoulders,"when you are in lack of courage and bravery,you just tell yourself'stand up'!"A little bit recovered,Matthew nods his heads fiercely.He feel he is not the little and weak boy anymore.
? The next day's morning,the house's bell rings.
? "Hello?"Matthew asks politely.
? "Little Matthew!Have you already forgotten us?"Black's familiar sound raises.His friends come to see him!He runs downstairs quickly,and hugs them warmly.They go on to the street and play.
? It is always jolly to stay with Black and shell.They seem to have endless words and topics.Once they are together,there always seems to be happy laughters.Matthew misses his friends so much.His happiness can't be easily expressed through words.
? He takes them to the little shops he has been going to,because there are many cool things.He believes they will like them.There are also comics.Black's eyes are attracted.by these comics and spends a long time watching them.They also go to the amusement park and play the Roller Coaster as well as the Ferris Wheel.They have a very great time here.There is no clean river to play and beautiful birds,but Matthew feels happy just to stay with them.His worries have been all thrown behind his mind.
? Though Matthew is happy about their coming,his friends also find his low spirits.Black hugs Matthew tightly,trying to give him more comfort."I know you are suffering in this strange city and hard ti get used to it.But remember,we are always behind you and will company with you forever!"he says.
? "Yes Matthew,we all care about you and want you to be happy!"Shell smiles to Matthew either.They shower in the sunshine and hold each other in their arms.Matthew feels as if he is in the little village and still the innocent boy.
? The sunset falls down.His friends go back to their hometown.Matthew watches their shadows,his heart being healed.Finally he makes up his mind to go back to school.It is his parents and friends who give him power to stand up again!
? The morning he wear his tidy uniform again,saying goodbye to parents and goes to school.This time he faces everyone with confidence,less worrying about other people's attitude and behaviors.Some people begin to talk and play with him again.Lots of malice still remains,but this time Matthew faces them bravely instead of being defeated and running away.
?
Part two Middle
Chapter six:Help me!
? The time passes so fast that Matthew has overcomed the freezing cold of winter,seen the beauty of spring,and the summer vacation is on the horizon.Matthew has been waited for the vacation since he went into the school.The homework and competition of the new school is much larger than his previous school,which makes a little bit run out.Also,the problem of relationship is influencing him.He pretends to be a good child and reasonable student in school and feels he is wearing a fake mask for a long time.He desires to get it out and catch a breath and break.Now the summer vacation is coming,and he can go back to the village and spend time with his friends together!
? In the final meeting before the holiday,the teacher announces that there will be a sailing project during the holiday and encourages students to take active parts in it.Though a little interested in the sailing,Matthew still wants to play with his friends in the village."I am always pulled out.I would better not appear in front of them."Matthew thinks negatively and goes back to home.
? The registration form placed on the table,Matthew's mom witnesses it and asks Matthew about that.
? "That is a project held by school during the vacation.But I don't want to take part in it.They won't want see me anyway,and I am happier to play with Black and Shell."Matthew says casually.? His mom shakes her head."Matthew,don't think in that way.You don't need to care about whether they like you or not.It's not of your business.We can go back to the village for many times,but the project only have one time.I know you must interested in it.Go ahead and actively take part in it for the expansion of mind and horizon."
? Matthew feels his mind is opened up.Mom is right.Why must he be stuck in other people's attitude and let that influence his decisions?He sits there for a while.Finally he takes out his pen and fills in the blank.Yes,he makes up his mind to have a try.
? The sail project is two days long.Matthew packs some daily uses with his parents' help,and is prepared to go on the school's bus.
? "If thy don't talk to you,you still have yourself to talk to.Have a strong mind,Matthew!"Before Matthew leaves,his dad says,which makes him confident and healed.
? As Matthew walks onto the bus,Esme sees him and talks to Lily,"Damn!Why does that guy come?"Lily tries to let her voice lower so that Matthew can't hear it."That is his freedom,Esme.Don't be too picky!"That makes Esme more angry.Lily always stands by her side,and the boring Matthew affects their relationship!
? After two-hour's journey,the bus finally arrives at the seaside.The ship leans on the board and the sea is broad and blue.The students get down the bus and go into the ship by following Ms.Mary.Ten minutes later,they are all in the ship.
? Matthew is overwhelmed by the strong view of the sea.Growing up in the village,he has never seen the free and beautiful scenery before.The sea is blue,and the sky is blue either,there seemingly not having clear boundary.The waves bring the moisture of the waters to his face,which makes him comfortable and out of the worries and tragedies.He finds the board outside is large and flat,so he climbs on it and wants to get closer to the sea.
? As he is climbing,Esme finds him and realizes what he is going to do.She certainly won't pass an opportunity to play a trick on Matthew.So she climbs on it too.
? Matthew stands on the board and enjoys the effect of the sea wind,which is very magical and relaxing.He has not realized that Esme is approaching.
? "Hey!"Esme's coming surprises Matthew a lot."Hi,Esme."Matthew grins at her and says hello to her.He wants to solve the misunderstanding of her.
? "Don't talk to me,thief."Esme rolls her eyes towards Matthew again.
? "I am not the…"Matthew is about to explain for himself,but is interrupted by Esme.
? "Don't bother me."She looks at him with anger.
Why don't you like me?Matthew wants to ask the question,but swallows it back.He knows that Esme won't listen to him.
At the moment,Esme is thinking of a way to upset Matthew.Suddenly she finds that the surroundings are low and it is easy to fall down.She smiles and pulls him down,meaning to let him fall over and get hurted.Howver,Esme pulls so fiercely that Matthew falls into the sea.
Esma is a little bit shocked by what she has done.However,this kind of feeling appears after a second."He worths it." She thinks in her mind,without consciousness or compassion in her mind.
"Help!Please help me,Esme!"Having druck lots of water,Matthew struggles in the sea,and yells for Esme's help.There is only them two here.If Esme doesn't save him,he will fall into the deep sea and finally die.
Hearing the yell clealy,Esme doesn't do anything to help Matthew.He shouldn't exist on the warth,anyway.She is a little bit happy about Matthew's death."I will clean the prints and say that it is Matthew who overlooks the sail rule and falls into the sea.Nobody will have a doubt on me!"
Esme's indifference makes Matthew helpless.He knows that Esme hates him for no reason,but he can't expect her to push him down into the sea and not to save him.Running out of energy,he stops struggling,seeing the smiling face of Esme for the first time and closing his eyes.
He thinks about his parents.They have paid so much work to bring him up and company with him,and he is very shamed that he is unable to return for them.Tears integrates with the sea water.He feels heartbroken as he imagining mom and dad crying for losing him.
He thinks about his friends.He has promised to see them this summer weekend,and bring gifts to them.They still have many wonderful memories to make,but he has to leave suddenly without saying goodbye.Black and Shell's smiling faces which have made him laugh for countless times go into his mind,however this time makes him sad.
He feels he is dropping down and down.Without enough oxygen,he loses his consciousness gradually.
Chapter seven:Miracle
? The sea god Anna is going around the sea to check her cities here.Everything is OK.As usual.She is about to finish her work and go back her palace when she suddenly finds Matthew dropping down the sea,losing the track of life gradually.She drags him to her palace as quickly as possible to save him.
? It is so lucky that he doesn't dim for a long time and has the opportunity to be alive.She uses her magic of healing and pulls a mysterious power into Matthew's body."You will be safe,poor boy."Anna shows great pity for the tiny boy dropping into the deep sea.She puts him in the room next to hers and gives him a power of protection.He will not be out of oxygen anymore and can stay in the deep sea for long time.
? After many days,Matthew becomes awaken.Seeing the luxury bed and palace,he thinks it must be the heaven.It is so beautiful here,but he can't raise his mood.Tears running out of his cheeks,he is upset that he can't see his parents and friends anymore.Anna is outside the room,watching what has happened inside.She laughs out.
? "Who,who are you?"Matthew is shocked by the stranger,who looks different from normal humans with unusual beauty,"Am I in the heaven now?Miss…"
? "Just call me Anna."realising that Matthew thinks he is dead,Anna feel he is so cute and innocent.
? "Miss Anna,could I see my parents and friends again?My death is so sudden that I don't have the opportunity to them…"he is about to cry out,and Anna begins to take it seriously.
? "Now,listen to me carefully,"Anna starts,"You are still alive and I can promise!I am the god of the sea.I find you dropping down hopeless in the deep sea,bring you back to my? palace and save your life."
? Matthew is very happy to know that he is still in the beautiful world."How lucky am I to be saved by you!Thank you very much to bring me back to life!"Seeing this little boy talking happily,Anna also smiles.
? "However,I have another thing to beg you…god Anna…"Matthew asks carefully.
? "Just call me Anna."She smiles peacefully.And she really wants to be friends with him.
? "OK,Anna,may I ask you to…send me back?"Matthew looks straight at her beautiful eyes,which he had never seen before.
? "That's for sure!"Anna can't agree more.Actually,that's what she intends to do.
? "Thanks!"Matthew then struggled to stand up,only to find that it is hard for him to achieve.
? "It seems that you haven't recovered yet,and I suggest you stay here and go back after you become healthy again.You don't want your parents see your bad condotions,right?"Anna says to Matthew with soft voice.
? “Yes,I'd better stay here till I am totally heaithy again.Thank you very much,Anna!You saved my life,and let me stay here.So kind of you!”Matthew says to Anna with full smile.
? "You are welcome.It's my duty to keep my sea safe and all creatures happy."Anna replies with a sense of responsibility.She is new to here and didn't know about the sea god's occupation clearly,just going through the sea every day and feeling life boring.However,this action of saving Matthew rises her awareness of her job and duty,which makes her grow in mind.
? "So why are you dropping into the sea in the daytime?"Anna is a little bit confused,because few people live here,let alone falling into the sea.
? That reminds of Matthew's painful memories.He tells Anna the process of being isolated and pulled into the sea during their sailing.He says with slight smile and comfort,but Anna feels it is awful and shows great pity on him."You don't have any fault at all.If there is,it must be your kindness."She can't imagine how this happens to such a little and cute boy,who would have fitted in with the class and had a happy new life.
? "Now what's the time?"Matthew looks for watch all around,only to find nothing.Anna explains that there is a totally different time in the sea,which is slower and in the contrast.Matthew feel very shocked and curious about the time setting in the sea.
? "Actually,it is F o'clock now,which is corresponding to your evening period.And the sky will soon turn bright and it will be noon."Anna sets an example to help Matthew understand better.
? "No wonder I am not sleepy at all!"Matthew feel the time here is very fun and fresh.
Chapter Eight: Dream or Reality?
The moment Anna leads Matthew past the glowing coral gates of her underwater palace, Matthew forgets how to breathe— and not just because he’s beneath the sea. The walls are carved from pearl and lapis lazuli, rippling with bioluminescent algae that casts soft blue and gold light across every surface. Schools of tiny, iridescent fish dart through the halls like living confetti, and the air hums with a gentle, melodic hum that feels like a lullaby. “Welcome to my home,” Anna says, her silver hair floating around her like a cloud as she gestures for Matthew to follow.
Matthew stumbles after her, his eyes wide with wonder. “Is this real?” he whispers, reaching out to touch a pillar made of pink coral. It’s smooth and warm, pulsing slightly under his fingertips, as if it’s alive. Anna laughs, a sound like wind chimes on the water. “More real than the world you came from, in its own way. The sea holds truths the land forgets.” She leads him into a grand hall where other sea gods gather— tall, ethereal figures with scales for skin and eyes like stormy oceans, their voices deep and musical as they speak in a language Matthew doesn’t understand but somehow feels in his bones.
Anna introduces him to each of them: Tidal, the god of waves, who claps Matthew’s shoulder and sends a small current swirling around his ankles; Coral, the goddess of reefs, who gifts him a flower made of sea glass that glows in the dark; and Fin, the god of fish, who summons a school of rainbow trout to swim circles around Matthew in greeting. Matthew feels small and overwhelmed, but none of the sea gods treat him with anything but kindness. “You are brave to enter our world, little human,” Tidal rumbles. “Most would drown in fear before they ever saw our palaces.”
Anna then takes Matthew on a tour of the other sea god palaces scattered across the ocean floor. One is made of black volcanic rock, its halls lit by glowing jellyfish that float like lanterns; another is woven from seagrass and driftwood, cozy and warm like a cottage by the shore. At each stop, the sea gods offer him gifts— a shell that sings when held to the ear, a stone that changes color with the tides, a feather from a seabird that never stops flying. Matthew’s pockets grow heavy with treasures, but what weighs more is the feeling of belonging he hasn’t known since leaving his village.
By the time they return to Anna’s palace, the sun has set in the human world, but the sea is forever bright with its own light. Matthew sits on a bench made of whale bone, staring out at the endless expanse of the ocean beyond the palace windows. “I never knew the sea could be so beautiful,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. Anna sits beside him, her hand resting gently on his back. “The sea is full of wonders, Matthew. It’s also full of pain, just like the land. But it heals, too— slowly, quietly, but always completely.”
Matthew thinks of Eres, of the lies and the loneliness, of the way he’d felt like he was drowning long before he’d fallen into the sea. For the first time since moving to the town, he doesn’t feel angry or sad. He feels seen. “Do you think I’ll ever feel like this on land?” he asks. Anna smiles, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “You already do. You just haven’t let yourself see it. Bravery isn’t about being unafraid, Matthew. It’s about feeling afraid and moving forward anyway.”
As the night wears on, Matthew’s eyes grow heavy. Anna tucks him into a bed made of soft sea sponges, and he drifts off to sleep to the sound of waves lapping against the palace walls. In his dreams, he’s swimming with dolphins and talking to mermaids, and he forgets entirely that he’s ever been hurt. When he wakes the next morning, he half expects to find himself back on the sailing ship, gasping for air in the cold sea. But when he opens his eyes, he’s still in Anna’s palace, the sea glass flower on his nightstand glowing softly. It’s real. Every bit of it is real.
Chapter Nine: Lovely Friends
A few days after arriving in Anna’s palace, Matthew is wandering through the coral gardens when he hears a soft chirping sound. He follows it to a small cove where a bright orange fish with big, curious eyes swims circles around a seashell, and a fluffy white sea otter floats on its back, cracking clams open with a rock. “Hello?” Matthew says, kneeling down on the sandy floor of the cove. The fish darts forward, nibbling gently at his finger, and the otter waddles over to nudge his hand with its head.
Anna finds him there a few minutes later, smiling at the sight. “Those are Paul and Kitty,” she says. “Paul’s a triggerfish— he’s the boldest fish in the cove, and he’s been curious about you since you arrived. Kitty’s a sea otter who’s lived here for years; she’s the gentlest soul in the sea.” Paul chirps again, and Kitty lets out a soft whimper, pressing her head against Matthew’s palm. Matthew laughs, scratching Kitty behind the ears as Paul swims into his cupped hands. “They’re amazing,” he says, his heart light for the first time in months.
Over the next week, Paul and Kitty become Matthew’s constant companions. Paul leads him through the coral gardens, showing him hidden caves filled with treasure and schools of fish that change color when they sing. Kitty teaches him how to float on his back in the sea, how to crack clams open with a rock, and how to find the sweetest seaweed to eat. Matthew talks to them about his village friends, about Kate and Kevin, about the pain of being accused of stealing and the fear of falling into the sea. Paul chirps in response, and Kitty nuzzles his cheek, as if they understand every word.
One afternoon, Matthew sits on a rock by the cove, watching Paul chase a butterfly fish through the coral and Kitty float lazily on the water’s surface. “I miss my old friends,” he says quietly. “But I think I’ve found new ones here, too.” Paul swims up to him, pressing his head against Matthew’s cheek, and Kitty climbs onto his lap, curling up like a cat. Matthew wraps his arms around her, feeling the emptiness in his chest fill with warmth. For the first time since moving to the town, he doesn’t feel alone.
Anna watches from a distance, a soft smile on her face. She knows that the sea has a way of healing even the deepest wounds, and she’s glad Matthew has found joy in Paul and Kitty’s company. “The sea gives what the land takes away,” she murmurs to herself, before turning to leave Matthew to his new friends. Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones you don’t expect— a fish with a bold heart, an otter with a gentle soul, and a home in the unlikeliest of places.
Chapter Ten: It’s Time to Say Goodbye
After a week in Anna’s palace, Matthew’s body is fully healed— his lungs no longer burn when he breathes, his cuts have faded to faint scars, and his strength has returned. Anna can see it in the way he swims with Paul and Kitty, in the way he laughs as he chases a school of dolphins through the waves. “It’s time for you to go back,” she says one morning, sitting beside him on the whale bone bench as they watch the sun rise over the ocean surface.
Matthew’s smile fades. “Go back?” he repeats, his throat tight. “But I don’t want to leave. This is the first place I’ve felt happy in so long.” Anna reaches out, taking his hand in hers. “I know, Matthew. But your place is on the land, with your family and friends. The sea will always be here for you, but you have a life to live above the waves.” She squeezes his hand gently. “Think of this as a gift, not a goodbye. You’ll carry the sea with you wherever you go.”
Matthew nods, tears stinging his eyes. He knows she’s right, but leaving Paul, Kitty, and Anna feels like losing a part of himself. That afternoon, the sea creatures gather to say farewell. Paul gives him a shiny pebble he found on the ocean floor, pressing it into Matthew’s palm with his nose. Kitty nuzzles his neck, leaving a wet kiss on his cheek. The sea gods gift him a conch shell that will let him speak to Anna if he ever needs her, and Coral tucks a bouquet of sea glass flowers into his pocket. “Come back and visit,” Fin says, his voice warm. “The sea misses its friends.”
Anna leads Matthew to the surface as the sun sets, the water glowing pink and orange around them. “Remember what I told you,” she says, cupping his face in her hands. “Be brave, be kind, and never let anyone make you feel small. You are more than the lies people tell about you.” Matthew hugs her tightly, clinging to her as if he never wants to let go. “Thank you,” he whispers. “For saving me. For showing me the sea. For being my friend.” Anna smiles, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “Goodbye, Matthew. Until we meet again.”
She pushes him gently toward the surface, and Matthew breaks through the water, gasping for air as he floats on the waves. When he turns to wave, Anna is gone, the sea calm and quiet around him. But in his pocket, the conch shell hums softly, and the sea glass flowers glow bright enough to light his way. He knows the sea is always with him— in his heart, in his memories, and in the courage it gave him to face the world again.
Part three:the end
Chapter Eleven: We Miss You So Much!
For three days, Matthew’s parents and classmates search for him, combing the coastline and sailing out into the sea in small boats, calling his name until their voices are hoarse. Ms. Mary organizes a search party with the other teachers, and Kate and Kevin spend hours sitting on the dock, staring out at the water, refusing to believe that Matthew is gone. Eres, too, feels a twist of guilt in her stomach— she’d only meant to scare him, not to hurt him, and now she’s terrified that she’s killed him.
On the fourth morning, a fisherman spots Matthew floating on a piece of driftwood a mile from the sailing ship, unconscious but alive. He pulls him into his boat and rushes him to the shore, where Matthew’s parents are waiting, their faces pale with fear. When Matthew opens his eyes and sees his mom’s tear-streaked face, he weakens a smile. “Hi, Mom,” he says, his voice raspy. “I’m home.”
His mom bursts into tears, throwing her arms around him and clinging to him as if she’ll never let go. His dad kneels beside her, his hand resting on Matthew’s shoulder, his eyes shiny with relief. “We thought we’d lost you,” he says, his voice breaking. Matthew shakes his head, wrapping his arms around them both. “I’m sorry I worried you. I’m okay.”
When word spreads that Matthew is alive, the whole school erupts in joy. Kate and Kevin run to the hospital, tackling him in a hug as soon as they see him, chattering a mile a minute about how scared they were. “We missed you so much,” Kate says, wiping away tears. “We never stopped looking for you.” Kevin nods, grinning. “We knew you’d come back. You’re too tough to stay gone.”
Matthew spends a week in the hospital, recovering from his time in the sea, and every day, his classmates visit him, bringing cards and flowers and candy, apologizing for not believing him when Eres accused him of stealing. “We’re so sorry, Matthew,” one girl says, handing him a drawing of a boat with his name on it. “We should have stood up for you. We should have known you weren’t a thief.” Matthew smiles, accepting the drawing graciously. “It’s okay,” he says. “I forgive you.”
When he finally returns to school, the entire class lines up to welcome him, cheering and clapping as he walks down the hallway. Ms. Mary hugs him tightly, telling him how proud she is of his courage. For the first time since moving to the town, Matthew feels truly welcome— like he’s part of the community, like he’s home.
Chapter Twelve: Apologize and Punishment
When Matthew is well enough, he tells his parents everything— about Eres’s jealousy, about the stolen wallet lie, about how she pushed him into the sea and left him to drown. His parents are furious, their faces red with anger as they listen, and they immediately go to the school to speak with Ms. Mary and the headmaster, determined to make Eres face the consequences of her actions.
Eres is called to the headmaster’s office the next day, her hands shaking as she stands in front of Matthew, his parents, Ms. Mary, and the headmaster. At first, she tries to lie, claiming that Matthew slipped and fell into the sea, but when Matthew pulls out the conch shell Anna gave him— proof that he was saved by the sea god, proof that he’s telling the truth— she breaks down, tears streaming down her face as she admits everything. “I’m sorry,” she sobs, looking at Matthew. “I was jealous. I hated that everyone liked you more than me. I never meant to hurt you.”
She then turns to Matthew’s parents, bowing her head in shame. “I’m sorry for scaring you. I’m sorry for what I did to your son. I know I can never make it right, but I’m truly sorry.” Matthew’s mom softens, reaching out to pat her shoulder gently. “We accept your apology, Eres. But you have to understand how much pain you caused Matthew. You have to learn from this.”
The headmaster decides that Eres will be suspended from school for four months, during which she has to complete community service at the local animal shelter and write a letter of apology to Matthew and his family. “This punishment is meant to teach you empathy, Eres,” he says, his voice firm but kind. “To show you that your actions have consequences, and that kindness is always better than cruelty.” Eres nods, wiping away her tears. “I understand. I’ll do better. I promise.”
Matthew watches her leave the office, a strange feeling in his chest— not anger, not hatred, but pity. He knows that Eres is hurting, too, even if she doesn’t know how to show it. He decides to forgive her, not for her sake, but for his own. Holding onto anger only hurts the person holding it, and Matthew is ready to let go of the pain and move forward.
Chapter Thirteen: Twists
When the whole class learns the truth about what Eres did to Matthew— about the lies, about the push into the sea, about the months of loneliness he endured— they are horrified. Many of them had ignored Eres’s rumors, but some had joined in, laughing at Matthew and avoiding him in the hallway, and now they feel deep shame for their actions.
One afternoon, the class holds a surprise assembly for Matthew, filling the auditorium with posters that say “We’re Sorry, Matthew!” and “Welcome Back!” The students take turns standing up to apologize, their voices sincere as they admit their mistakes. “I’m sorry I didn’t stand up for you,” one boy says. “I’m sorry I laughed at the rumors,” a girl adds. “I’m sorry I let you feel alone,” another student says, tears in his eyes.
Kate and Kevin also stand up, their faces red with embarrassment. “We’re sorry we didn’t do more to help you,” Kate says, looking at Matthew. “We should have fought harder for you, instead of just being your friends. We let you down.” Kevin nods, his voice thick with emotion. “We’re so sorry, Matthew. You’re our best friend, and we should have protected you.”
Matthew stands up, his heart full as he looks out at his classmates. “Thank you for your apologies,” he says, his voice clear and strong. “I forgive all of you. We all make mistakes— what matters is that we learn from them and do better next time.” The class erupts in applause, and Matthew smiles, feeling the weight of the past lift off his shoulders.
That afternoon, the students take Matthew to the ice cream parlor, buying him his favorite flavor (chocolate chip) and spending hours talking and laughing with him, like nothing bad ever happened. Matthew realizes that friendship is about more than just good times— it’s about forgiveness, about second chances, about standing by each other even when things are hard. He’s grateful for his classmates, for their honesty, and for the chance to start over with them.
Chapter Fourteen: Mind Growth
As Matthew heals from his physical and emotional wounds, he begins to share his story— not just the parts about Eres and the sea, but the parts about Anna, Paul, Kitty, and the magical world beneath the waves. At first, he’s worried that no one will believe him, that they’ll think he’s making it up or that he’s still traumatized from his time in the sea. But to his surprise, Kate and Kevin listen with wide eyes, hanging on every word, and even his village friends, Black, Shell, and Henry, write letters back telling him that they believe him, that they’ve always known the sea was full of magic.
Matthew writes a long letter to Black, telling him about Anna’s palace, about swimming with dolphins, about the sea glass flowers and the conch shell that lets him talk to the sea god. “I never thought I’d find friends in the sea,” he writes, “but Paul and Kitty are some of the kindest friends I’ve ever had. They taught me that friendship isn’t about where you come from or what you look like— it’s about how you care for each other.” Black writes back, telling Matthew that he’s proud of him, that he’s always been brave, and that he can’t wait to hear more stories when they see each other in the summer.
Matthew also talks to Paul (the fish, named after his sea friend) and Kitty (his new cat, named after the sea otter) about his adventures, even though he knows they can’t understand him. But it doesn’t matter— talking about the sea makes him feel close to Anna and his underwater friends, and it helps him process everything he’s been through. He realizes that the sea didn’t just save his life; it saved his mind and his heart, teaching him to be brave, to be kind, and to find joy in the unlikeliest of places.
Most importantly, Matthew learns to find his true self— the boy who loves his village, who cares about his friends, who isn’t defined by the lies others tell about him. He stops trying to fit in with the popular kids at school, stops apologizing for being different, and starts embracing who he is. And in doing so, he finds peace— peace with his past, peace with himself, and peace with the world around him.
Chapter Fifteen: The Story Ends but the Life is Going On
Years pass, and Matthew grows into a tall, kind young man with a love for the sea and a heart full of stories. He becomes a teacher at his old elementary school, teaching fourth graders about marine biology and friendship, about courage and forgiveness, about the magic that exists in the world if you’re willing to look for it. His students adore him— he tells them stories about the sea god Anna and his underwater friends, reads them books about kindness and empathy, and takes them on field trips to the beach to collect seashells and watch the waves roll in.
Eres, too, changes— after her suspension, she volunteers at the animal shelter every weekend, learning to care for others and to let go of her jealousy. She becomes an actress, starring in plays about friendship and redemption, and she and Matthew remain friends, their past mistakes forgotten, their bond strengthened by forgiveness and understanding. She often visits Matthew’s classroom, reading to the students and telling them about the importance of second chances.
Matthew’s parents grow old gracefully, proud of the man their son has become, and his village friends— Black, Shell, and Henry— visit him every summer, bringing their own children to the beach to play with Matthew’s students, to swim in the sea, and to listen to his stories about the sea god and the magical world beneath the waves. Paul the fish (now a giant triggerfish) still swims in the cove near Anna’s palace, and Kitty the sea otter still floats on her back, cracking clams open with a rock— and every time Matthew visits the beach, he blows the conch shell Anna gave him, and he swears he can hear them chirping and whimpering in response.
One afternoon, a student raises her hand in class, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Mr. Matthew,” she says, “what’s the most important thing you’ve ever learned?” Matthew smiles, looking out at his students, at the sea visible through the classroom window, at the life he’s built for himself. “That finding yourself is the bravest thing you’ll ever do,” he says. “And that kindness is always the answer— no matter what others do to you, no matter how hard things get, kindness will always light the way.”
The bell rings, and the students pack up their bags, chattering about the beach field trip next week. Matthew watches them leave, a soft smile on his face, and picks up the conch shell from his desk, holding it to his ear. He hears the sea, calm and quiet, and he knows that Anna is there, watching over him, proud of the man he’s become. The story of his childhood may have ended, but his life— full of love, friendship, and magic— is just beginning.
