Lena discovers a hidden door in the park and steps into a strange world where leaves fly, squirrels speak, and acorns whizz through the air.
Lena loved autumn in the park. She loved the crunchy paths, the chilly air, and the leaves that turned gold, red, and orange. One afternoon, under the big chestnut tree, she stopped so suddenly that her boots slid in the leaves.
There, where the old bench had always stood, was a wooden door.
It was tall and narrow, with twisting vines around the frame and a brass handle that shone like a tiny star. Lena blinked. The door did not belong there. It looked as if it had grown out of the ground overnight.
She reached out and touched the handle.
A soft wind brushed her fingers. Somewhere behind the door, something gave a little giggle.
Lena leaned closer and peered through the crack. Her mouth fell open.
On the other side was a world full of colour. Leaves floated through the air like bright birds. Squirrels darted along golden branches. One squirrel in a blue hat looked straight at Lena and lifted a paw.
"Hello, Lena!" he called. "You came at last. We need your help!"
Before Lena could answer, an acorn zipped past her ear and thudded into the tree behind her.
"Watch out!" Lena whispered.
The squirrel's whiskers twitched. More acorns began to flicker through the doorway, and the door creaked wider, as if it had just decided it wanted her to step inside.