This short story is from <Feel Better Compilation of Short Stories for Seniors> by Bradley Windrow. It is perfect for seniors, even for dementia patients. Be sure to read until the end, as there’s a special gift waiting for you! hope you enjoy it!
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. –John Muir
It was a calm and quiet afternoon at the retirement home when suddenly, without warning, white feathers started raining from the sky. The residents, enjoying their leisurely activities in the garden, were astonished as the grounds quickly became blanketed in a soft, feathery layer.
“What in the world?” exclaimed Mary, a spirited and adventurous resident known for her curiosity. She gathered a group of her fellow seniors, including Tom, Betty, and George, and they decided to investigate this bizarre phenomenon.
Armed with curiosity and canes, Mary and her team set off from the retirement home, following the feathers’ trail. The path led them through nearby woods, where the soft movement of leaves and the smell of earth mingled with their laughter and excited chatter.
“Look at this, another clump here!” Betty pointed out, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she spotted a pile of feathers near an old oak tree.
As they ventured further, they encountered a variety of friendly animals—a curious squirrel, a quiet owl, and even a deer that watched them from a distance before bounding away. Each encounter brought delight and a sense of connection to the natural world around them.
“Hey there, little guy,” George said, holding out a hand to the squirrel. “Got any clues for us?”
The squirrel scampered up a tree, causing everyone to laugh. They also met some helpful neighbors who joined their quest, intrigued by the unusual sight. One neighbor, a young woman named Lisa, offered them lemonade and cookies, fueling their adventure with sweetness and hydration. George, ever the joker, tried to fashion a hat out of some of the larger feathers they found, causing the group to burst into laughter.
“Maybe I’ll start a new fashion trend,” he quipped, striking a pose.
“Very chic,” Betty laughed, snapping a pretend photo. “Work it, darling!”
The clues led them across fields and over a small creek, each step bringing them closer to solving the mystery. They found more and more feathers, and the trail remained strong, urging them onward. Finally, their adventure took them to a quaint farmhouse nestled at the edge of a vast field. There, they discovered the source of the mysterious feathers: a large flock of molting geese being cared for by a kind-hearted farmer named Mr. Harrison.
“Oh, my geese have been molting quite a bit lately,” Mr. Harrison explained with a gentle smile. “The wind must have carried the feathers all the way to your home.”
“That explains it,” Mary said. “We’ve been wondering all afternoon.”
Mr. Harrison invited them to come and see the geese, introducing them to the flock and sharing stories about each bird. The seniors were fascinated, and they spent the afternoon learning about the geese and even helping to feed them.
“That’s Henrietta,” Mr. Harrison said, pointing to a particularly fluffy goose. “She’s the ringleader of the bunch.”
“She looks like she has quite the personality,” Betty said, laughing as Henrietta waddled over to investigate. As the sun began to set, Mr. Harrison offered them a ride back to the retirement home in his old, rickety truck, which added one more adventure to their day.
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