A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Sharvil Jadav, 11

Reading

The old woman, Elara, sat unbothered on a park bench, the faded floral print of her antique dress almost camouflaging with the vibrant blooms of a nearby rose bush. London, her London, swirled around her – a kaleidoscope of bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and the gentle murmur of the Thames. But Elara's gaze held a wistful softness, a discernible contrast from the city's frenetic energy. Her heart held a vivid collection of dreams, whispered wishes for this beloved metropolis.

She dreamt of a picturesque London: one where every child had access to a green space, where the scent of wildflowers replaced the smog, and the sound of hummingbirds filled the air. A London where gardens of all sorts thrived; shared meals were commonplace, fostering a sense of belonging and an unbreakable connection that had, in recent years, begun to drastically dwindle.

She dreamt of a London where art flourished beyond the hallowed halls of galleries, where murals painted by local artists decorated every corner, where music trickled into open doorways and echoed euphorically across the whole city. A London where creativity was nurtured; every individual felt enlightened to express their own unique voice.

Her dreams extended to the River Thames: a vibrant foundation to trade and life. She envisioned it sparkling clean, teeming with diverse wildlife, a testament to the city's commitment to environmental responsibility. Boats carrying passengers silently, powered by renewable energy, would glide past historic landmarks, offering a glimpse of a more sustainable future.

Elara dreamt of a London where kindness, respect and teamwork were the only currency, where a smile was exchanged freely, where acts of generosity were normal. A London where the homeless were hospitably sheltered, the vulnerable were protected, and every voice was heard.

Already, there was progress; not enough to fulfil Elara’s dream.

She knew that building this feasible future required more than just dreams. It required ardent action, collaboration, and unwavering belief. But Elara, with her gentle wisdom and unwavering hope, was ready to plant the seeds of change. Her dreams for London, she knew, could blossom into reality, one act of kindness, one spark of creativity, one clean riverbank at a time.