Heidi, Girl of the Alps
Once upon a time, a girl called Heidi lived up in the Alps, the highest mountains in Switzerland.
Her favorite pastime was watching the sunset with her best friend Peter, a goatherd.
Look Heidi! Isn't it pretty!
It's wonderful, it's as red as a blossoming rose.
The sunset makes everything a different color.
It's beautiful.
Grandpa, grandpa!
Is that you, Heidi? Ha ha ha! Did you have a good time today?
Oh, yes. Ha ha!
Heidi lived in the mountains with her grandfather.
Heidi always slept up in the hayloft among the hay,
because she loved to see the thousands of stars glittering through the windows.
One day, a girl named Clara came for a visit.
Welcome, Clara!
Clara lived in a town at the foot of the mountain.
She spent all her life in a wheelchair because her legs were paralyzed.
Clara was too ill and week to go to school.
Heidi played with her all summer, and became Clara's only friend.
This bread is so soft and delicious. I'm sure Peter's grandmother would like it...
Peter's grandmother had bad teeth, and Heidi wished she could share the bread with her.
Clara had a lovely clean bed, plenty of good food, and many pretty clothes,
but Heidi didn't feel happy in her home.
Clara, there are so many things I would like you to see!
I will show you the red sunset, and all the flowers, and my goats, Snowy and Blacky, too.
Clara petted the goats and they bleated happily in response.
That sounds wonderful!
Really, realy, really? Come on, hurry! I have so much to show you!
Heidi was excited because she wanted to show Clara all the wonders and beauties of the Alps.
She showed Clara how to milk a cow, and they planted corn seeds together.
Peter was unhappy. He felt like Clara was stealing his best friend.
This milk is so fresh!
Do you like it?
It's so delicious I wish I could have it every day!
While Heidi and Clara were busy having fun together, Peter stole Clara's wheelchair.
Maybe now Clara won't be able to play with Heidi anymore.
Then Heidi will come back to me!
With those thoughts, he shoved Clara's wheelchair down the hill.
I didn't do anything wrong. This is all Heidi and Clara's fault! It isn't me!
Peter ran as fast he could, trying to get the broken wheelchair out of his mind.
No matter how much he ran though, it kept coming back.
Peter! Have you seen that wheelchair anywhere? Clara needs it.
What? No, I haven't.
Peter felt bad about what he did,
but he knew that if he told the truth his grandfather would punish him.
What do we do now? I promised to take Clara to see the beautiful red sunset of the Alps!
I can't let her miss it. This is so unfair!
That's okay, Heidi. I'll just go home.
Peter, could you please ask my grandmother to call the carriage, please?
Seeing how helpless Clare was made Peter feel guilty and sad.
No, let's walk!
What? We can't, Clara's legs don't work , Peter.
It's not that far. We can go and see the rose-red light on the mountain.
But... Peter... I can't walk.
Why don't you give it a try? Come on! It's easy.
No, I really don't think I can...
Yes you can! We will help you, let's try it right away! Come on!
Come on, one step forward...
I can't, it hurts!
Now your other foot...
You're doing great, Clara!
Wow! I am walking. I am.. walking!!!
Heidi and Peter helped her up the hill.
Clara couldn't walk alone yet, but she was thrilled that she could even stand.
Tears of joy filled her eyes.
The three friends sat there together, watching the rosy light of the sunset washing over the Alps.
It's so beautiful!
Clara, dear where are you? Time for dinner!
Heidi! Peter! Where are you?
The three friends decided to show their grandparents what they had discovered.
Oh my... Clara, where is your wheelchair?
When her grandmother appeared, Clara rose to her feet
and began to walk towards her very carefully.
Oh my goodness! It's a miracle! I can't believe it! Oh Clara!
Grandmother!!
Clara and her grandmother embraced each other, crying of joy.
Peter, Heidi, and Heidi's Grandfather were also deeply moved.
This miracle was brought about by the pure, healthy air of the Alps,
and the power of friendship and love.
Whaaa!
Peter burst into tears.
Peter, tell me, what's wrong? Huh?
(Sob) I don't deserve to be Clara's friend. I broke her wheelchair! I feel so bad (Sob)
What?
I am so sorry! I didn't want to let Clara take away my best friend! Whaaa!
That was a rotten thing to do! It is wrong to steal and break other people's things.
I know it was wrong. I am very sorry.
No, wait! Peter, you are a true friend to me. You let me lean on you and helped me walk, Peter.
Really?
I forgive you, because I believe you are truly sorry, and because you are my friend. Ok?
Thank you Clara. I really am sorry.
Peter, Clara! We are all friends now, right?
That night, Heidi and Clara climbed into the hayloft together.
They gazed up at the stars as they shared stories.
I love it up here in the Alps, Heidi.
I'm glad. I knew you would like it here.
As Heidi and Clara drifted off to sleep, they were visited by many happy dreams.