B2. Peter Pan: Part 1

Chapter 1: Peter Breaks Through

All children grow up, but there's one boy who never does.

Wendy found out she had to grow up when she was just two years old.

She sat by the window, looking at the stars. "Mother, when will I grow up?" she asked.

"I wish you could stay little forever," her mother said sadly, her eyes full of love.

Wendy's mother hugged her, and then put her to bed.

From that day, Wendy understood she couldn't be a little girl forever.

Wendy was now 12 years old. She had curious blue eyes and long brown hair in a tidy braid.

She lived with her mother and father, Mr and Mrs Darling, and her two younger brothers, John and Michael. They lived in a small white terraced house, which was full of laughter and warmth.

Mrs Darling was pretty and kind. Mr Darling worked long hours at the bank to support his family.

The three children shared a big bedroom, each with their own bed. Every night Mrs Darling read them stories. Her gentle voice sent them to sleep and she watched them dream.

One night, the children mentioned a new name, "Peter". "Who is Peter?", asked Mrs Darling.

"He comes to our window at night and plays his flute," said Wendy.

Mrs Darling wasn't sure if this was just a dream. But then, odd things started happening. One day, she found leaves on the floor that didn't belong to any tree in England.

One night, Mrs Darling heard the dog's loud barking. She ran to the children's bedroom. In the darkness, she saw a strange figure standing next to Wendy's bed.

The figure had a wicked smile. His teeth shone in the moonlight, but Mrs Darling couldn't see much else. After a moment, he jumped out the window.

Chapter 2: The Shadow

Mrs Darling screamed upon seeing the figure.

The family had a large white Newfoundland dog named Nana. (pic)

Nana ran to the figure and tried to bite him. Instead, she ripped off his shadow as he leapt out the window.

Nana carried the boy's shadow to Mrs Darling, and dropped it into her hands.

Mrs Darling held up the shadow to show her husband, "Look, George! It's a boy's shadow!" Her hands trembled.

"What a strange place London is becoming," said Mr Darling.

Mrs Darling felt uneasy. She folded the shadow and put it in a drawer.

One week later, Mr and Mrs Darling were getting ready for an important dinner party.

Mr. Darling was stressed - he couldn't tie his bowtie properly.

Outside, the taxi honked its horn. Mr and Mrs Darling were late!

Nana brought Michael his medicine, but he didn't want it. "It tastes disgusting!" he said. As Nana barked loudly, Michael dropped his medicine glass, which smashed on the floor.

"Enough!" shouted Mr Darling. "Michael, you will take your medicine and Nana, you will go outside!"

Mr. Darling pulled Nana into the garden, and chained her outside.

Now, the three children were all alone in the house.

As Mr and Mrs Darling finally got into the taxi, Mrs Darling noticed the stars looked brighter than usual.

An ethereal glow covered the house. Mrs Darling was sick with worry as they drove away.