Under five minutes story for early readers.
Once upon a time, in a world where the sun danced lightly across the sky and the stars whispered secrets to those who would listen, there was a small village nestled at the edge of time. This village was known as Still Point, for it was here that the relentless march of time seemed to pause, creating a space where moments lingered.
In the heart of this village lived a young girl named Ember. She was known for her curious nature and her deep, thoughtful eyes, which seemed to hold a universe of questions. She often wandered through the village, pondering the mysteries of existence, especially the words inscribed on the ancient sundial in the village square: “At the still point of the turning world, there you shall know as you are known.”
One starlit night, as Ember gazed into the endless sky, a gentle voice called out to her. It was the voice of the Wise Woman of the village, known to all as Grandmother Time. She was as old as the hills and as wise as the stars, and she beckoned Ember to join her on a journey of discovery.
Together, they traveled through the tapestry of time, witnessing the turning of the world. They saw empires rise and fall, seasons change, and generations come and go, each leaving their mark upon the labyrinth of history.

As they journeyed, Grandmother Time shared her wisdom with Ember. “To understand the still point,” she said, “you must see the world in all its movement and change. It is in the midst of this eternal dance that true understanding is found.”
Finally, they arrived at a place beyond time, a realm where the past, present, and future existed in a single, breathtaking moment. Here, in the heart of the turning world, Ember felt a profound sense of understanding wash over her.
She realized that the still point was not a physical place, but a state of being. It was the point of balance and harmony within oneself, where one could see the beauty in life’s perpetual motion and find their place within it.
As Ember looked into the eyes of Grandmother Time, she saw her own reflection. In that moment, she understood the meaning of the ancient words: “There you shall know as you are known.” She understood that to know oneself truly, one must embrace the ever-changing dance of life, finding the stillness within the turn. With a heart full of gratitude and wisdom, Ember returned to her village, carrying the essence of the still point within her.
As the years gently passed, Ember grew into womanhood. Her laughter chimed with the wisdom of a life well lived. Her eyes, like embers themselves, retained their inner spark, a testament to the unyielding fire within. She became a beacon of light and understanding, guiding others on their own journeys of self-discovery, even as the world around her turned.

And so, the village at the still point of the turning world continued to thrive, a place where time danced gracefully and where every soul could find harmony within the eternal dance of existence.
*Dear Reader, the quote, “At the still point of the turning world, there you shall know as you are known,” is from T.S. Eliot’s “Burnt Norton,” part of his Four Quartets.
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