The news spread like bush fire from Wilhelm and his friends to the local community. In no time, it seemed everybody was talking about their act of bravery. In school, a big brick building in the middle of the bustling town, the story had reached the headmaster's ears.
He called Wilhelm to his office, where he began addressing what was transpiring. The office was timeless, dominated by the old books and the warm sheen of polished wood; an oasis within the usually busy school.
"Ah, Wilhelm," he began in a warm tone, "I hear about what you and your friends did. Let me say, I am mighty impressed. Surely, it takes quite a number of guts to stand up for something one believes in, at an age like yours." Bright-eyed, he leaned forward with a smile.
Wilhelm blushed pink in the face, squirming in his chair. "Thank you, sir," he said softly. "We just wanted to help." His voice came out soft, and his eyes were fixed on the smooth leather surface of the principal's desk.
The headmaster nodded; his face was grave. "Well, I do have some good news to share. The school is donating the proceeds of our Christmas fair, as well as the anniversary celebration at the school, in support of efforts against wildlife trafficking. It is our modest way of contributing to the cause you and your friends have championed." He nodded toward the framed photographs hanging on the wall in them, students were captured at past events, faces aglow with happiness and achievement.
Wilhelm's face finally betrayed the eruption of excitement inside."That's terrific, sir! Thanks a lot!" he exclaimed with a deep level of gratitude in his quivering voice.
The principal's face stretched in a smile. "You and your friends have inspired us all, Wilhelm. This is just a beginning of what we can do together."He leaned back in his chair; from his quiet manner, a sense of shared purpose radiated.
He felt as if he was on cloud nine as he came out of the office. He ran down the heavy corridors of groups of chattering students and teachers; his heart pounded hard. He burst out of the gates at school, found his waiting friends, and immediately shared his news.
"The headmaster said that the money they have gathered from the Christmas fair will be donated to fight against the trafficking of wildlife!" he cried out in one tumble of words, shaking his voice with elation.
His friends cheered while gratitude and hope were written all over their faces.
That was not the only good news. Later in the evening, Wilhelm's mother informed him that those responsible for this illegal game in wildlife trade got arrested and that officials now had begun further investigations to find the root of the problem.
For Wilhelm and his friends, they had been walking upon clouds; their hearts welling up with pride. They had stood up for something they had held dear, and now real change was about to blossom. Together they sat at the edge of the forest, looking back on how it all happened as the sun began to set, casting its golden light and long shadows.
The quiet strength had now been found within them, and that was a voice now being used for those who had no voice. This was a force they promised to use in protection of the innocent and challenging of those who sought to exploit the helpless. They knew as evening deepened, their adventure had only just begun.