A Legacy of Heritage and Adventure

A granddaughter follows an old map to find lost family treasure

N

ine-year-old Hayden was captivated by tales of the American Revolution from her Papa's dusty history books. On a warm July afternoon outside Bartow, Florida, amid the sprawling citrus groves and sandy fields of her family's farm, clutching a mysterious map she found tucked in one of the books, her adventure began—fueled by her love of all things American.

Donning a tricorn hat from the attic and draping an American flag around her shoulders like a cape, she followed the map's faded lines, her heart swelling with patriotic wonder at symbols of freedom guiding her steps. The golden grasses swayed in the breeze, glowing under the setting sun, whispering secrets of liberty."I'll find it, Papa." Hayden declared, her blue eyes sparkling, the flag fluttering like a banner of courage as she traced the map's path, excitement growing with every twist and turn.

She dug at the marked spot, uncovering a rusted metal box half-buried near the limestone wall by the road to the fields. Her heart raced. Could this be the map's hidden treasure? Kneeling, the flag wrapping tighter as she retrieved the box, it creaked open, revealing a yellowed letter and a pouch of peculiar seeds.

The letter, from her fourth great-grandfather—a Continental Army soldier—detailed "magic onions" hidden for future generations: seeds to grow resilient fruits symbolizing the enduring spirit of independence. The letter instructed: Take a few, plant them in the old oak hollow, then re-bury the box. Hayden pocketed three seeds, hands trembling with awe. She replaced the box, covering it so that others might find it someday. Pausing to look for the path to the hollow, she didn't notice Papa Joe watching from behind a tree across the road. He smiled knowingly, proud of her curiosity—yet another chapter in their family's legacy.



WORD COUNT & Authors notes ▼

Word count is "299", excluding this note...it is written for the July segment of "The Bard's Hall Contest" 

July is Photo Prompt Month!
Write a flash-fiction story, up to 300 words, based on the image above.
Rules: Must be a NEWLY written story for July 2025. Word Count included on top or bottom of the story
This contest begins on July 1st and ends on July 31st at 11:59 p.m. WDC time.