Little Women

Short tale: Little Women

Enjoy it! Here’s the audio story!

This is the story of a recent past.

The story of four sisters Meg, Joe, Beth and Amy. They lived in a small town, in a small house. Their parents were poor, but the four sisters never asked for anything their parents couldn’t deliver.

Meg was young and pretty and very smart.

Joe looked like a boy who wanted to be a writer.

Beth was shy, sweet and kind.

Amy was the youngest. She was the prettiest of all the sisters.

All the sisters were very close.

The locals admired their good manners and called them little women. One day a soldier came to their house to enlist his father in the army, as there was a civil war.

-I have a letter for you, you have been called to serve in the army and fight in the Civil War. Please be prepared.

The family was very sad.

-Daddy, please don’t go.

-No, my daughters, I have to go. It’s a pride to fight for your country.

When will you be back?

-I’ll be back before it rains, stop crying, Meg take care of them. -Yes father.

-Yes, father.

Saying this, the father left with the soldier.

A few days after the father had left for the war, the family began to suffer. They did not have enough money for groceries.

Meg I am trying to work hard to earn enough money, but it is very difficult.

-No, don’t worry, mother, it’s a matter of days. Everything will be fine when father comes back.

But until then we’ll have to fight. I don’t understand why people fight wars.

Oh, mother.

One day they received a letter from the army saying: The officers inform us that father has been badly wounded during the war. He has been hospitalized and they want someone to be with him to take care of him.

Oh I will have to go, but as I need money for the trip, how do I get it?

Don’t worry, mother, start preparing for the trip, I’ll make some arrangements,” said Joe.

Joe left the house, when he returned in the afternoon, he had money in his hand.

Here, Mother, that will be enough.

Where did you get the money?

I got it by selling my hair.

Oh Joe, you’ve lost your precious hair.

It doesn’t matter, Mother.

But Joe we could have thought of another option.

Why did you do it,” said Meg.

Don’t worry, it will grow back.

Joe couldn’t sleep that night. He lay quietly crying in his bed. Late that night Meg put her arm around Joe’s shoulder. Joe woke up to see who it was. When he saw Meg sitting next to her, he hugged her.

Don’t worry, everything will be fine soon.

When their mother went to the hospital, the sisters took care of the house, doing all the chores, cleaning, cooking and having a good time.

One day Beth got sick, she had a high fever and was shivering with cold. The three sisters took good care of Beth. But the fever would not go down. They were very worried.

We should call the doctor. What about the doctor’s fee? How can we pay the doctor’s fee? We don’t have any money.

Don’t worry, I’ll be fine soon.

I’ll go get the doctor,” said Joe.

What about his fee?

Let’s think of Beth first.

That day it was snowing, Joe ran through the snow and arrived at the doctor’s house and explained the situation. The doctor agreed to visit his house.

I examined her, she has a very high fever. Don’t worry, she will be fine.

That’s good news doctor, but…

But what?

Sir, the truth…

Speak up, why are you hesitating?

Sir, we don’t have the money to pay you. We’re sorry. Will you continue to treat Beth?

Ah that’s why, you have nothing to worry about. I will treat her, no question about it. That is my obligation and I will tell her parents about my fee when they return.

Thank you very much doctor said the girls.

The doctor gave Beth some medicine, the sisters took good care of Beth. Beth got better and began to miss her mother.

Where are you? I miss you. Please come home, I need you.

Beth don’t cry, she will be back very soon, you will get well and we will write her a letter.

Yes, she will come home soon,” said Amy.

At that moment her mother came into the house. They were all very happy to see her.

Meg said: Oh mother.

Amy said: Mommy.

Joe said: Mommy.

Oh, my girls, my dears, how are you, how nice to see you.

Beth was also very happy to see her mother.

Don’t worry, I will take care of you,” said her mother.

From that moment on, the mother took care of Beth, Beth got better in a few days, when winter came, Meg was a little worried about the family.

Mother, when will father come home?

He has a serious injury. He also broke one of his legs, but he is out of danger now and could be here any minute.

We miss him very much.

I know, little one. I wish no one suffered so much hardship.

Don’t say that, Mother. Hard times are the best teachers. They teach us things that are useful, to succeed in life.

You’re right, Meg.

A few days later it was Christmas Eve. Mother and Meg managed to get a tree for their house.

But little Emy also wanted a present.

Emy said: this year I want a new dress.

Joe said: I wish I could find the prince of my dreams.

Beth said: I want a grand piano.

What do you want Meg? -said her mom.

Meg said: I wish we could all celebrate Christmas together.

Well said, little girl.

On Christmas Day all the girls were sad, for none of their wishes had been granted. They were disappointed, but they didn’t complain. It was such a miserable day that they didn’t have enough money to buy breakfast. Just then they heard a knock at the door.

Who could it be?

Who is it? Who is it?

I’ll go look.

No Emy wait.

The door suddenly opened and they saw the father standing in the doorway. The girls ran over.

Little girls, how I’ve missed you.

It’s the best Christmas present I’ve ever received in my life Thank you Santa! -said Meg.

Having their father with them for Christmas made the family very happy and they were able to enjoy Christmas.

END

Source: Spanish fairy tales

Story Reflection: The story presents us with a tale of the daily life of a family in wartime and the difficulties they face in the absence of their father. The sisters demonstrate their love and mutual sacrifice by caring for their family and doing everything possible to overcome the economic and health difficulties they face.
The story invites us to reflect on the importance of solidarity, family unity and mutual sacrifice in difficult times, as well as the importance of valuing what we have and not taking for granted the happiness and tranquility we enjoy in our daily lives.
It also reminds us of the importance of supporting each other in difficult times and looking for creative solutions to problems instead of giving up in the face of adversity.

Frequently asked questions about the story Little Women

¿Who are the main characters in the story?

The four sisters Meg, Joe, Beth, and Amy are the main characters in the story.

¿Why did the sisters' father leave for war?

The sisters’ father went to war because he was called to serve in the army and fight in the Civil War.

¿How did the sisters try to take care of the house after their father went off to war?

The sisters dedicated themselves to taking care of the house, they did all the chores, cleaned, cooked and supported each other.

¿What sacrifice did Joe make to raise money for his mother's trip to the hospital?

Joe sold his hair to raise the money for his mother’s trip to the hospital.

¿How did Joe feel after selling his hair?

Joe couldn’t sleep that night. He was crying quietly in his bed.

¿How did the sisters manage to pay the doctor to visit Beth?

Joe went to find the doctor and explained the situation. Although they had no money to pay the doctor, he agreed to visit them and treat Beth at no charge.