🌿 The Secret Garden – Chapter 12: The Surprise

The summer sun shone bright at Misselthwaite Manor.

The secret garden was now full of green leaves, blooming flowers, and singing birds. Every day, Mary, Colin, and Dickon played and worked there. They were stronger, happier, and full of life.

One day, Mr. Craven returned.

He had been away for months, walking through the mountains of Europe. His heart still felt heavy from his wife’s death, but something inside him had changed. He began to dream of her—and in his dreams, he heard her voice say, “Go back to the garden.”

So he did.

He came home quietly, without telling anyone.

He walked through the gardens and past the tall wall covered in ivy. He looked at it for a long time. Something about it seemed different. He pushed open the old door...

Inside, he stopped in surprise.

The garden was full of life—and right in the middle of it was a boy.

The boy was standing tall, with bright eyes and strong legs.

It was Colin.

Mr. Craven stared. “Colin?”

Colin smiled. “Father! I’ve been waiting for you.”

Mr. Craven dropped to his knees and hugged his son. “Is it true? Are you well?”

“I’m more than well,” Colin said. “I’m alive. The garden helped me.”

Mr. Craven looked around. “This place—it’s just like when your mother was here.”

Colin nodded. “And I’ve learned to love it too.”

Mary and Dickon came forward.

Mr. Craven looked at Mary and smiled. “You brought life back to this house—and to my son.”

He stood up slowly and said, “This garden was locked for ten years. But now it’s open again. Just like my heart.”

That evening, the servants saw something they never thought they’d see:

Colin walking beside his father.
Mary laughing and skipping ahead.
Dickon whistling with the birds.

And behind them, the secret garden, no longer a secret—but still full of magic.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Blooming	Full of open flowers
Heavy heart	Feeling very sad
Dropped to his knees	Fell down with emotion
Well	Healthy or okay
Alive	Full of energy, life, and joy
Whistling	Making music with the lips or breath

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What has happened to the secret garden by the end of summer?

2. Where had Mr. Craven been?

3. What message did he hear in his dream?

4. What surprises him when he opens the garden door?

5. How does Mr. Craven react to seeing Colin walk?

6. What does Mr. Craven say about the garden and his heart?

7. How do the children and Mr. Craven leave the garden together?

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✅ Answers

1. It is full of flowers, life, and joy.

2. He was in Europe, walking in the mountains.

3. His wife’s voice told him to return to the garden.

4. He sees Colin standing and walking.

5. He is shocked, joyful, and hugs his son.

6. That it is open again—just like his heart.

7. They walk out together, happy and united.