Ethan was a curious five-year-old with bright eyes and a big heart. His best friend, Lida, was just as adventurous. They did everything together—building pillow forts, hunting for hidden treasures in the backyard, and making up magical stories.
One sunny afternoon, Ethan and Lida found a small wooden box buried under the old oak tree in Ethan’s yard. It was locked.
“What do you think is inside?” Lida asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
“Maybe a pirate’s treasure!” Ethan guessed. “Or a secret message!”
They searched for a way to open it when Ethan’s older brother, Jake, walked by.
“What are you two doing?” Jake asked.
“We found this box!” Ethan said. “But it’s locked.”
Jake smirked. “Maybe I should keep it. I’m older, so I should decide what to do with it.”
Ethan frowned. “But Lida and I found it together.”
Lida nodded. “It belongs to both of us.”
Jake shrugged. “Well, what if I help open it, but I won’t tell you what’s inside? You’ll have to trust me.”
Ethan and Lida looked at each other. They had always shared everything. Could they trust someone else with their treasure?
Ethan took a deep breath. “I trust you, Lida. If we open it, we open it together.”
Lida smiled. “Me too!”
Jake sighed. “Okay, okay. Let’s open it together.” He found a tiny key hidden in the grass nearby.
With a little twist, the box popped open. Inside was a small note, faded with time. Ethan unfolded it carefully and read aloud:
“True treasure is found in those who trust.”
Ethan and Lida grinned at each other. They had passed the test! Their friendship was the greatest treasure of all.