A Map for Milo

Milo and Eva were helping Dad at the community garden. Dad asked them to take a packet of bean seeds to the planting table. “It is beside the tall sunflower,” he said. “I will be right here.”

Milo looked along the paths. Three tables stood among the garden beds. He walked towards the nearest one, with Eva beside him. “This must be it,” he said. But the table held watering cans, and there was no sunflower.

They went back to Dad. “We found a table, but not the right table,” Milo said. Eva pointed to a garden map near the gate. “Could that help us follow the route?”

The map showed the gate, a round pond and a tall sunflower. Eva traced the path with her finger. “First we pass the apple tree. Then we turn left at the bench.” Dad checked the route. “You lead the way. I will walk behind you.”

Milo stopped to check the map. “Left from which way?” he asked. They turned the map so its gate pointed towards the real gate behind them. “Now it matches,” said Eva. They set off and followed the left-hand path at the bench.

Soon they saw the sunflower. Its yellow head rose above the fence. Beside it stood the planting table. Milo put the seeds down carefully. “The picture helped us notice the landmark,” he said.

On their way back, they found a fork in the path. Eva checked the map while Milo looked for the apple tree. “There it is,” he said. “Our route goes past it.” They led Dad back to the gate together.

“How did you find the table?” Dad asked. “We checked the clues,” said Milo. “It was a better plan than guessing.” Eva smiled. “Next time we can draw a map for someone else.” Milo picked up a pencil. “Let’s include the sunflower!”