Discover the world with openness: Dare to be yourself!

Discover the world with openness in the Neflental valley

In the Neflental, it's time for the high summer glow. The sun shines brightly from the sky, bathing the bracken meadows in luminous golden sunshine. Light shimmers everywhere like dancing sparks of fire. Houses nestle deep in the green amidst three-metre-tall bracken. Herbs of all colours grow on the roofs. Goats and chickens scamper about in small enclosures, and a cheerful hubbub fills the warm air.

The great festival of splendour begins

Today, the residents of Immergrün are celebrating a grand festival. Campfires burn at the edge of the fern meadows, lanterns in sapphire blue and coral red float through the twilight. The air smells of roasted herbs and fresh bread. The meadow gnomes are calling and singing everywhere, because the Glittering High in the Neflental is the most beautiful time.

Amidst the cheerful hustle and bustle, Rosa Immergrün sits on the bank of a small lake. She watches the lanterns gliding gently over the water. Suddenly, Rosa spots a strange little meadow gnome girl on the other bank. The girl is wearing a colourful scarf that flutters in the wind, and she is stroking a tiny, trembling frog.

The Encounter on the Fern Meadows

Rosa Immergrün stands up and walks over curiously. The fern stalks rustle as she passes through them. She calls out cheerfully: „Hello! Are you from Immergrün?“ The strange girl shakes her head shyly. „I'm in the Neflental for the first time today,“ she says quietly, „and everyone seems so cheerful. But I don't know anyone.“

Rosa Immergrün smiles and sits down next to her. „That's not bad at all. Everyone's allowed to be themselves here. And I don't know everyone yet either.“ Together they watch as another lantern floats over the lake and suddenly sails into a fern. Both of them have to laugh.

Being open makes you strong in the Neflental

In the Neflental, everyone is invited to celebrate the glorious occasion. Rosa Immergrün takes the girl by the hand. „Come, let's find the others. No one stays here alone. Tell me, what's your name?“ the girl shyly answers the question, her voice already growing louder. Together they run barefoot through the grass, past the colourful houses and the goats, which bleat in a friendly manner.

You come across a group of meadow gnomes who are singing. Rosa Immergrün waves and explains, „She's new here. Shall we dance together?“ The others immediately reply, „Of course! Everyone is welcome here, no matter where they come from.“ The girl smiles brightly. They dance, sing, and enjoy the golden glow in the Neflental.

A day full of courage and friendship

As the evening darkens, the two sit together by the campfire. The light of the lanterns is reflected in the lake, everything glows in coral red and emerald green. Pink Periwinkle tells stories, and the Meadow Gnome girl listens intently. She realises she doesn't have to impress anyone. Everyone likes her just the way she is.

In Neflental, the residents repeatedly discover: being open makes you strong. It's wonderful to dare to be yourself. Rosa Immergrün is happy to have found a new friend. And the strange girl now knows that she belongs – right in the middle of Immergrün's fern meadows, under the shining glow-sky.

What do we learn from this?

The most important thing in Neflental is: those who approach others openly and have the courage to show themselves quickly find friends. Everyone is special, and kindness makes life more colourful. The Glanzhoch festival reminds everyone that openness and the courage to be yourself make the world a more beautiful place.

You want the book „Order “Rosa Immergrün and the Golden Oak Leaf" – click here!. Feel free to take Contact the author Kira Kimmelmann Read more short stories by Pink evergreen here.