The first summer

Once upon a time, in a little house beside the sea, lived three sisters called Laia, Clàudia and Júlia. Júlia, the youngest, was five and loved spending time with her sisters. Laia, the eldest, always invented games and stories, while Clàudia, the middle sister, was the perfect companion for every adventure.

One sunny June morning, while they were playing pirates in the garden, Laia received exciting news: she was going away to school camp for a week. It was a wonderful opportunity, but it also meant that, for the first time, Júlia would spend several days without her big sister.

Júlia felt a knot in her stomach. The thought of not having Laia at home to play and read bedtime stories frightened her. She did not want her to go, although she knew she could not ask her to stay.

The days passed quickly, and the morning of Laia’s departure arrived. With tearful eyes, Júlia hugged her tightly and asked her not to forget her.

“Don’t worry, Júlia. I’ll be back soon. While I’m away, you and Clàudia can be the pirate captains,” Laia said gently.

Once she had left, the house seemed very big and quiet. Júlia felt lost, but Clàudia took her hand and suggested playing Laia’s favourite game: hidden treasure.

Clàudia was very patient and did everything she could to make Júlia laugh. They built a pirate ship from cushions in the living room and drew a treasure map that led them all around the garden. Slowly, Júlia began enjoying those moments and discovered that she could have fun even when Laia was away.

At bedtime, Clàudia read her stories, doing the characters’ voices just as Laia did. Júlia realised that, although she missed her eldest sister terribly, having Clàudia close was a great comfort. She also knew Laia would be happy that they were looking after each other.

When Laia came home, Júlia ran to hug her as tightly as she could. She told her about all their adventures and how she had learnt to be a little braver and more independent.

“I’m so proud of you, Júlia,” Laia said with a smile. “You’ve grown so much while I’ve been away!”

From that summer on, Júlia understood that having her sisters beside her was wonderful, but she could also be brave and enjoy herself independently. The three kept sharing games and adventures, knowing that each could face her own challenges and that they would always be there for one another.

And so, in their little house beside the sea, they continued growing together, surrounded by love, laughter and many, many pirate adventures.