The Crystal Lake

Ella, a curious girl in yellow rain boots and blue overalls, finds a hidden lake in the woods. When she gazes into the water, she sees no reflection of herself but a joyful memory: her birthday party with a large cake and laughing friends. The lake reveals memories rather than faces, and every visit brings another happy moment, from her first school day to building a snowman. Ella shares the lake with her friends, and each of them leaves feeling warm and glad.

One morning the lake grows cloudy and gray, and the villagers start to forget their happiest moments. A graceful white swan with a silver-tipped wing and a blue beaded cord guides Ella through the parted water to a palace of shimmering shells and glowing pearls. There she meets a small water spirit with teal eyes and a crown of tiny shells, who has gathered the villagers' memories because it has none of its own and feels lonely. Written by Yavuz DEMİRKIRAN, this gentle tale about empathy and friendship can be read on Online Masal.