Imagine a bright, sunny day, perfect for an adventure! A young prince, full of energy, decided to go for a ride in the big, green forest near his castle. He was whistling a happy tune as his horse trotted along the path.

After a while, he saw an old woman. She was bent over, carefully picking up dry twigs and branches. She had a kind face, though it looked a little tired.

"Hello there!" called the prince. "What are you doing with all those sticks?"

The old woman looked up. "Oh, hello, young sir. I'm gathering wood to make a small fire. I need to cook my tiny bit of soup for dinner."

The prince felt a bit sorry for her. "That sounds like hard work. Here," he said, reaching for his coin purse. "Let me give you some money so you can buy food."

But the old woman shook her head. "Thank you, that's very kind, but I don't take what I haven't worked for. I may be old, but I can still gather my own wood." She smiled a little.

The prince was surprised. He liked her spirit. "You are very strong," he said. "Do you live all by yourself?"

"Yes," she replied. "I have a little cottage not far from here. It's small, but it's mine."

"Don't you have any children to help you?" the prince asked gently.

A shadow crossed the old woman's face. "I did have a son," she said softly. "A wonderful boy. But he went away to see the world many, many years ago. I haven't heard from him since." Her voice trembled a tiny bit.

The prince's heart gave a little jump. He looked closely at the woman. Her eyes... they reminded him of someone. "What... what was your son like?" he asked, his voice suddenly quiet.

She smiled sadly. "Oh, he was brave and kind, always exploring. He had a small scar right here," she said, touching her own chin.

The prince's hand flew to his own chin. There was a small, faint scar there from a childhood tumble. His eyes grew wide. "Mother?" he whispered. "Is it really you?"

The old woman stared at him, her eyes filling with tears. "My son? My dear boy! You've come back!"

And it was true! The prince was her long-lost son. He jumped off his horse and hugged her tightly. There were happy tears and so much joy!

The prince took his mother back to the grand castle. She didn't have to gather sticks anymore, and she never had to cook a tiny bit of soup again. She lived like a queen, because she was the king's mother, and they were both very, very happy.

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