‘The Hastel Family‘ is a heartwarming story by Dhriya Das, Class 4, Epic Public School. It follows Jack and the Hastel family as they navigate the challenges of war, separation, and reunion, leading to an unforgettable birthday surprise.
In America, there was a family called the Hastel family. It was a large and happy family, full of love and laughter. The Hastel family lived together in a big house near the border. Although they could not see the border itself, they could see the soldiers fighting in the war. This made them feel very afraid.
Before World War Three started, the Hastel family was always together, celebrating festivals, having dinner together, and sharing stories. But when the war began, everything changed. The sound of gunfire and explosions filled the air. Fear grew in their hearts, and they knew that staying near the border was dangerous.
The Hastel family held a serious discussion. They had to make a decision quickly. After much thought, they decided that it would be safer to leave America and move to Europe. However, not everyone left. Jack, his mother, and his father stayed behind. Jack did not want to leave his home, and his father felt responsible for protecting their house.
Days passed, and the war finally came to an end. There was peace again, and life slowly started returning to normal. Jack’s mother was very excited. She picked up the phone and called the rest of the Hastel family. “The war is over! You can come back now. We miss you so much!” she said happily.
But to her shock, the family members replied, “We are fully settled here now. We have jobs, homes, and a new life. We are not coming back.”
Jack overheard the conversation and felt his heart sink. “What!? Why not? Please come back! I feel so alone without you all,” he pleaded. But the answer remained the same. “No, Jack, we can’t,” they said and hung up the call.
Jack was heartbroken. He could not believe that his family had chosen to stay away forever. He missed them terribly—the laughter, the stories, the togetherness. The house felt so empty now.
Jack’s father saw how sad his son was, but he also knew they had to focus on surviving. “If we stay like this, we won’t be able to earn money, and we won’t have enough food,” he said. “I must find a job.”
Finding a good job was difficult. The only option available was to join the army. After much thought, Jack’s father applied and became an army officer. Soon, he was sent on a mission to South Africa to help the people there.
Jack did not want his father to go. “Do you really have to leave, Dad?” he asked sadly. His father hugged him and said, “I have to, Jack. But I will write letters to you. Be strong for your mother.”
Jack and his mother waited for his letters every week. Sometimes, his father wrote about his work in South Africa. He told them about the new friends he made and how he was helping people in need. Jack felt proud of his father, but deep inside, he missed him terribly.
One day, a letter arrived at their house. Jack quickly opened it, hoping for good news. But when he read it, his heart sank. The letter said that his father would not be able to come home for vacation.
Jack felt tears in his eyes. He had been eagerly waiting to see his dad after such a long time, but now he had to wait even longer. He put the letter down and sighed. “This is the worst news ever,” he thought.
Days passed, and then came 7th January—Jack’s birthday. He woke up feeling sad. “This is going to be a lonely birthday,” he thought. His father was far away, and the rest of the family had chosen to stay in Europe.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Jack lazily walked to the door, not expecting much. But when he opened it, he froze in shock. Standing outside was his entire family!
Jack’s eyes widened in surprise. His uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents were all there, smiling at him. And in the middle of the group stood his father!
Jack could not believe his eyes. “Dad! You’re here!” he cried, running into his father’s arms.
His father hugged him tightly and said, “Yes, Jack! I wanted to surprise you. And guess what? The whole family has decided to stay here with us forever!”
Tears of happiness filled Jack’s eyes. “Really? You’re not going back?” he asked.
His family members smiled and said, “No, Jack. We realized that home is where family is. We missed you too much.”
Jack’s mother hugged everyone and said, “Thank you for giving us such a wonderful surprise!”
That night, they celebrated Jack’s birthday with a big party. There was laughter, music, and delicious food. Jack looked around at his family and felt a warmth in his heart.
It was the best birthday ever.
