Matteo is an explorer. Matteo the Hand Muncher is tiny and brave. Matteo lives in a secret base high on a hill. The secret base has soft walls and warm lights. The secret base has a big door. The secret base has a round window. Matteo can see the sky from the window. The sky is blue. The sky is bright with stars. Matteo loves stars. Matteo loves to explore. Matteo loves to play.
Matteo has a best friend called Book. Book is a magic book. Book can talk. Book has gold edges. Book has soft pages. Book can read the maps. Book can read the signs. Book can read Matteo’s heart. Book is wise and calm.
Matteo has another friend called Time Traveler. Time Traveler is quick. Time Traveler has a shiny watch. Time Traveler wears a red scarf. Time Traveler can jump in time. Time Traveler can run through days. Time Traveler can pause moments. Time Traveler is playful and bold.
Matteo has a friend called Alchemist. Alchemist wears a green coat. Alchemist mixes potions in jars. Alchemist likes bright colors. Alchemist likes sweet smells. Alchemist can make warm light. Alchemist can make soft clouds. Alchemist is kind and wise.
One sunny morning, Matteo wakes up. Matteo stretches his arms. Matteo opens his bag. Matteo finds his treasure box. Matteo opens the box. Matteo sees his golden key. Matteo loves his golden key. The key is small and shiny. The key unlocks the toy chest. Matteo loves his toy chest. It chimes when it opens. But oh no. The key is gone. The key is lost. Matteo looks in the bag. The key is not there. Matteo looks on the floor. The key is not there. Matteo looks by the bed. The key is not there. Matteo feels sad. Matteo feels small. Matteo feels scared.
Matteo calls Book. Book says in a soft voice, I can help you. Book shows a map. The map glows. The map shows a red path. The path goes to the old wood. Matteo calls Time Traveler. Time Traveler says with a quick smile, I can help you. Time Traveler taps the watch. Time Traveler makes the seconds slow. Time Traveler makes the wind hush. Matteo calls Alchemist. Alchemist says with a gentle voice, I can help you. Alchemist pours a drop of warm potion. The drop glows like a tiny sun.
Together they march out. They step outside the secret base. The grass is soft under their feet. The door closes behind them. They walk to the wood. The wood has tall trees. The wood has green moss. The wood has little stones. A path of red leaves lies before them. The path shines. The group walks on the path. Their steps are slow and careful. The wind whispers. The leaves rustle. Matteo holds Book. Time Traveler holds Matteo’s hand. Alchemist holds the glowing drop.
Suddenly they see a dark shape. The shape moves behind a tree. The shape is cold. The shape is sad. The shape is a living shadow. The living shadow has no form. The living shadow has no light. The living shadow wants the key. The shadow steps closer. Matteo feels fear. Matteo shakes a little. Time Traveler steps in front. Time Traveler smiles at the shadow. Alchemist lifts the drop. The drop shines bright. Book opens to a page. The page says “Friend.” The letters glow gold.
Matteo steps forward. Matteo says in a soft voice, Hello friend. Will you help me? The living shadow still frowns. The living shadow is lonely. Matteo opens his palm. Matteo shows a star from his pocket. The star is small and warm. The star is bright. The living shadow reaches out. The star glows in the shadow’s hand. The shadow smiles softly. The shadow’s shape becomes a small friend. The friend holds the star gently. The friend points to a rock. On the rock lies the golden key. Matteo hops with joy. Matteo grabs the key. Matteo holds the key to his heart.
Matteo waves to the new friend. The friend waves back. Book whispers, Thank you friend. Time Traveler nods. Alchemist smiles wide. They all head back to the secret base. The path is bright. The wind sings. The trees dance. Matteo’s heart is full of joy.
At the base they open the toy chest. The door chimes. The lock clicks. The key fits. Matteo opens the chest. Inside are new toys, bright blocks, and soft bears. Matteo hugs a bear. Matteo thanks his friends. Book, Time Traveler, Alchemist, and the shadow friend all cheer. Matteo learns that kindness helps all. Matteo learns that sharing brings light. Matteo and friends play all day. They laugh. They sing. They dance. They share. The end.