Get well

Once in a small town, there lived a sweet woman named Maria. She was old but hardworking. Everyone loved her because she helped so many people. She worked in their gardens, taught them cooking, and looked after the children when parents had to work. She lived alone, so she had a lot of time. She had no husband and no children.

One day, she fell very ill and could not get out of bed. Her phone was on the table, but it was too far away for her to reach. She couldn’t call anyone.

Her friends didn’t notice anything all day, but in the evening, the woman next door asked, “Where is Maria? I need her help to make dinner.” Her name was Sarah. She went to Maria’s place, looked in the window, and saw Maria in bed. The door was locked, so she broke it open and ran to Maria's side.

“Take it easy, Maria! We’ll help you get well,” Sarah said. “You’ll be healthy again soon, and you’ll live to be 100 years old.” She brought soup and tea.

But Maria thought otherwise. “This is the end of my life. I am old enough,” she said. “Don’t say that,” said Sarah. “Don’t give up.”

Sarah cared for Maria every day, and Maria got stronger, but her thoughts about dying soon didn’t go away. Her friends had a little garden party outside her window. They sang songs and held signs that read, “Get well soon, Maria!” But still, it didn’t help.

Then Sarah had a thought. She asked everyone to write a get-well card for Maria to show how many people wanted her to get well. The first day, ten get-well cards arrived. The second day, a hundred get-well cards arrived. The third day, the hall was full of get-well cards.

Maria saw them and began to laugh. She saw how much people loved her, and it made her feel better. “Thank you all for helping me get well,” she said with a big smile.

Finally, after some time, Maria started to feel better. Love and friendship were the best for treating her illness.

• Do you receive get-well cards when you are ill?
• Do you give a get-well card when your friend is ill?
• Can you make a get-well card?