3000 Leagues in Search of Mother
Mom! Do you really have to go away? Mom…
Yes dear, but don’t cry, I will be back soon.
Once upon a time, a boy named Marco lived in a little port city in Italy.
His father was ill, and his mother had to work very hard to pay his medical bills and support the family.
They were still very poor and in a lot of debt.
Now, Marco’s mother had to go to Argentina to look for work there.
Mom!!
Look Dad! It’s a letter from Mom!
Oh, let’s see!
Here it is…
Marco, I am doing well.
I was able to find a good job through my cousin…
…I am working for a rich family.
Marco, my baby, I think of you and miss you everyday…
But the letters stopped coming,
and Marco hadn’t heard from his mother in months.
They couldn’t find her anywhere. She had gone missing.
Dad, I have to go look for her.
You are too young, Marco, and Argentina is very far away.
Well you are ill, and Brother has to stay because of and work.
It isn’t safe…
I know it! Please...
Marco managed to gain passage on a ship heading for Argentina
through the help of his father’s friend, a captain.
Bye Dad, bye Brother! I will come home soon with Mom!
OK. Take care, Marco.
The journey lasted for a month.
and the dolphins that leapt beside the ship from time to time.
One night…
You are wasting your time Marco! Your mother is dead!! Ha ha ha!
I will find her…
oh…it was only a nightmare…
Every night, when everyone went to bed, Marco was tormented by frightening dreams.
He refused to believe in them and swore that he would find his mother, no matter what.
Land!! It’s Argentina!!
Argentina!!!
Finally, Marco was in Argentina. Soon, he would see his Mother.
Everything seemed strange and new,
but Marco was not afraid, because he knew his mother was here somewhere.
Wait! Stop! That’s my money! Please! I need that money to find my mom!
Now Marco was alone in an unfamiliar country with no money and no friends,
Maybe I should ask for directions…
Finally, just before sunset, Marco reached the house of his mom’s employer.
All he wanted was to see his mother.
Is anybody in? Mother, it’s me, Marco!
Who are you?
I am sorry, but we only moved in a few months ago.
Then…then…she isn’t here?
I’m afraid not….Well…maybe I can write a letter for you.
Someone there might know where she is now.
The gentleman gave him a letter and a loaf of bread for the journey, and Marco continued his search.
There was nothing he wanted more than to see his mother again.
He arrived at the address written on the letter, and a butler opened the door.
You will need to take a train for three days and then walk for 10.
Of course it will be less if you take a coach, two days maybe…
Now off with you!
Marco understood that he wouldn’t find his mom there either.
Oh…what do I do now…
I have no money for the train, or to get something to eat…
…Mom!
Suddenly, a nice gentleman Marco had gotten to know on the ship, saw him sitting there.
Oh…Marco! Marco, is that you?
Huh? Yes, it is.
Hmm....
The old gentleman’s generosity meant Marco could take the train now.
Thank you so much!
and imagined his long-awaited meeting with his mother.
Night fell, and he had to sleep in the forest surrounded by the howls of hungry wolves.
Mom...
Marco’s shoes were worn out from walking, there were blisters on his feet,
and legs were as heavy as lead, but he pushed on.
He was very tired and his steps grew slower.
Mom....
..until he collapsed on the road.
A passing peasant chanced to see him there.
He felt sorry for Marco and gave him a drink of water.
Poor child…
Marco told him where he was going, and the man promised to take him there in his wagon.
One more day…and we will be together at last!
Marco couldn’t sleep that night.
He gazed at the pale full moon and thought of his mother.
Mom... Please be alive. You have to be alive...
Meanwhile, Marco’s mother had fallen very ill, and couldn’t get out of bed.
What can we do?
She has been away from her family for too long. She is homesick.
Listen Josephine, you must be strong! Keep fighting!
I just wish…I could see my little Marco one last time…
Don’t say that, Josephine! Don’t give up…you’ll be alright!
Exhausted and worn out by his long journey,
Marco still ran though the forest, knowing his mother was near.
That’s where my mom is...
Please, please, let my Mom be there! Let her be okay!
Marco prayed and hoped with all his heart. Then the door opened…
You must be…
When Marco followed her in and saw his mother lying in bed, he burst into tears.
...Marco....?
Mom!
Marco!
But how on earth did you get here? Are you here all by yourself!?
I did…I missed you so much! Mom!
My darling...
Please don’t leave me ever again… Let’s stay together, always! Mom.....
I promise, Marco.
They returned home together, and lived happily ever after.