Adelaide Literary Magazine - 9 years, 70 issues, and over 2800 published poems, short stories, and essays

LUCAS' BIG ADVENTURE

ALM No.71, December 2024

SHORT STORIES

Trinity Chandiramani

11/18/20243 min read

Lucas, a curious little mouse, lived in a quiet corner of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. Every day was a new adventure for him, exploring the grand monuments, dodging tourists' feet, and finding hidden spots for snacks. But today, Lucas felt different. He had heard whispers from the pigeons in the park about a place called New York City, and he couldn’t shake the idea of visiting this lively city.

Determined to embark on a new adventure, Lucas scurried down to the busy Union Station. He slipped onto a train bound for New York, finding a cozy spot beneath a seat. To his surprise, the train was a high-speed express that promised to whisk them away in just 20 minutes! During the journey, he met a group of mice who warned him of the city’s dangers. "Watch out for the stray cats," one mouse said. "And don't trust the busy streets," added another. But Lucas, always eager for excitement, wasn't afraid.

When the train arrived in Penn Station, Lucas darted out into the heart of New York City. The towering skyscrapers, yellow taxis, and endless noise surrounded him, but his excitement only grew.

After exploring New York, he spotted a large stray cat lounging on the rooftop as he wandered near a tall building. Suddenly, the cat slipped, scrambling to keep its balance on the ledge. Without thinking, Lucas sprang into action. He scurried to a group of pigeons perched nearby.

“Hey, pigeons!” he called out, breathless. “I need your help! That cat is about to fall!”

The pigeons looked at each other. One pigeon, with messy feathers, said, “What do we get if we help you?”

“Please! If you help me, I’ll find you the best crumbs in Central Park!” Lucas promised, hoping they would agree.

The pigeons shared glances, then one said, “Okay, we’ll help. But you better keep your promise!”

With their agreement, the pigeons swooped down and grabbed a shopping bag from the street. They flew it up and placed it just in time for the cat to land safely.

“Thanks for saving me!” the cat said, looking grateful. “I’m Mitch. You really helped me out!”

To show his thanks, Mitch offered Lucas a ride on his back. Lucas was thrilled. “This is amazing!” he cheered, excited to explore the city with his new friend.

As they strolled through the busy streets, Lucas turned to Mitch. “Hey, do you know a good place where those pigeons can find crumbs?”

Mitch thought for a moment, then grinned. “I know just the spot! Follow me!” Mitch led Lucas to a nearby park where people often fed the birds. As they arrived, Lucas saw crumbs scattered on the ground, and the pigeons flapped their wings in excitement.

“Wow, this is perfect!” Lucas said, watching the pigeons dive for the treats.

The pigeons cooed happily as they pecked at the crumbs. “Thanks, mouse!” the scruffy pigeon said. “You really came through for us!”

Lucas laughed, feeling happy to have made new friends. “I’m glad you like it! And Mitch, thanks for showing me the way!”

From that day on, Lucas, Mitch, and the pigeons explored New York together, dodging cars and sharing stories. Lucas realized that no matter where he went, there would always be new friends to meet and new challenges to face.

Trinity Chandiramani is an aspiring media communication professional, currently studying at Full Sail University. Fueled by a deep curiosity about the world and a passion for storytelling, she is dedicated to making an impact by connecting with people and sharing their stories. Growing up with the chance to explore new places, she channels that sense of adventure and wonder into her writing, focusing on friendship, exploration, and discovery.