The Night Before Christmas

1On the night before Christmas, Amelia discovered something strange beneath an old bench at Pinewood Station. It was a tiny golden train ticket. EVERGREEN VALLEY — ONE CHRISTMAS JOURNEY Amelia showed it to Jonah and Zara. “I've never heard of Evergreen Valley, ” Jonah said. Zara turned the ticket over and noticed a tiny silver snowflake. Before they could say another word, a distant train whistle echoed through the snowy night. 23A magnificent red-and-gold train slowly arrived at the station. Golden lights twinkled along its roof, and warm light glowed through its windows. The three friends climbed aboard. As the train began moving, Amelia pressed her face against the window. “Where do you think we're going?” she asked. Zara studied the golden ticket. “I think we'll find out soon.” The train disappeared into the snowy darkness. 45The Christmas train raced through a magical winter landscape. Snow-covered forests passed by the windows. Frozen rivers sparkled beneath the moonlight, and enormous mountains rose into the night sky. Suddenly, Amelia pointed toward the distance. “Look!” A giant Christmas tree stood on top of a mountain. But only a few of its lights were glowing. “Why isn't the tree completely lit?” Jonah wondered. Zara looked carefully at the golden ticket. “Maybe that's why we're here.” Just then, the train began to slow down. 67The train stopped beside a snowy mountain pass. A huge fallen tree had damaged the railway track. “We can't continue until the track is repaired, ” the conductor explained. Jonah immediately began moving branches away from the railway. Amelia helped clear the snow. Zara searched the area and discovered several wooden boards hidden beneath the snow. “These could help us!” she exclaimed. Working together, the three friends repaired the damaged section. Soon, the train was ready to continue. 89