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It was a pleasant, warm day in San Francisco. Though the houses here mostly shared similar styles, one stood out—the Thornberry family’s home. Its paint was a vibrant mix of colors and patterns inspired by their travels, giving it a slightly wild, safari-like look. Given who lived there, it was no surprise.
Yet, despite their adventurous past, the Thornberrys themselves were more settled now. A few years ago, Nigel Thornberry had been offered his own nature show. After much thought, Nigel and his wife Marianne chose to prioritize stability for their daughters, Debbie and Eliza, then fourteen and ten, over globe-trotting and uncertainty.
Debbie was thrilled by this decision, excited for a more normal childhood filled with school and friends. Eliza, however, felt disappointed. She dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps—exploring the world and encountering its wonders firsthand. But soon, her spirits lifted when two new members joined their household, bringing a fresh sense of excitement, even if it wasn’t quite the adventure she’d imagined.
One was her godbrother, now legally adopted little brother Donnie. After his parents, friends of the Thornberrys, passed away, Nigel and Marianne became his guardians.
The other was Eliza’s best friend Darwin Crawley, an exchange student from upper London. They had met online through a nature enthusiast forum and bonded over their shared love for exploration. Darwin’s parents agreed he could live with the Thornberrys until he finished school.
Since it was the weekend, the kids had no school. Eliza was in her treehouse with Darwin, reading a book about nature folklore.
“Wouldn’t it be amazing to see a real nature spirit? Something people say is only a legend?” Eliza said after finishing a chapter on water spirits.
Darwin stuffed a mouthful of Cheese Crunches into his mouth. “I’m not sure messing with the unknown is a good idea, Eliza. These stories teach respect, not fooling around with forces you don’t understand.”
Eliza frowned. “Can’t you just pretend for a few minutes? Imagine what it would be like.”
“My family is pretty logical,” he replied. “We don’t believe in magic without proof.”
Eliza refilled his smoothie. “Well, your family seems pretty normal. Your parents have good jobs at the university, Debbie has friends and hopes for a boyfriend soon...” Her eyes grew distant. “But I want more. I want adventure and mystery.”
Darwin shrugged. “Okay, but it’s the weekend. What do you want to do?”
“We could have a pretend adventure,” Eliza said, eyes brightening. “We could take Donnie to the park and imagine we’re exploring the wild. Discover new species, brave challenges—be real adventurers.”
Darwin smiled. “If that’s the best plan, I’m in. But I get to pick the adventure.”
“Deal. Let’s get Donnie and let your family know where we’re headed,” Eliza said as they climbed down.
Nigel was busy preparing for a lecture, so they asked Marianne for permission.
“I don’t know, kids. The park is usually safe, but I’d feel better if Debbie went with you.”
“MOM! I’m not a kid anymore!” Eliza said, frustrated.
Marianne held firm. After some pleading, Debbie agreed to come—on one condition: her best friend Jao could come too.
Donnie happily climbed the jungle gym while Debbie and Jao sat on a nearby bench. Debbie kept an eye on Donnie. Jao watched Eliza and Darwin, who were role-playing explorers in a jungle filled with exotic plants and animals. They scanned the trees with binoculars, taking notes on rare species.
Debbie chuckled quietly. “Only Eliza would turn the park into the Amazon.”
Jao smiled, watching them fondly. “Honestly? It kind of reminds me of home.”
Debbie glanced at her, curious. “You miss it?”
“Sometimes,” Jao said. “We lived near the Amazon—real rainforest stuff. My dad researched river dolphins, and we spent a lot of time on the water. It was hot, humid, and full of bugs... but alive and beautiful. You don’t forget a place like that.”
Debbie nodded thoughtfully. “Sounds intense. But amazing.”
Jao shrugged with a soft smile. “It was. I miss the adventure sometimes. But frozen yogurt without ants is a good trade-off.”
They laughed, content in the moment. A soft breeze stirred the leaves as they watched the younger kids play.
Later, they all enjoyed ice cream before heading home. Though they couldn’t travel the world literally, the Thornberrys believed imagination could take them anywhere—even beyond the stars.