Leaving Home

Robinson Crusoe was born in England. His family wanted him to live a quiet life at home. His father said, "A middle life is the best life. You will have enough money, and you will be safe." Robinson listened, but his heart was always looking at the sea. He wanted to travel to far places and see the world.

When Robinson was nineteen, he left home without telling his family. He went to the port and found a ship going to London. The ship was not large, but Robinson was happy. He stood on the deck and watched the land become small behind him. He thought that his new life had begun.

Soon, the wind became strong. The sea rose high around the ship. Robinson had never seen such waves. The ship moved up and down, and water came over the deck. Robinson was afraid. He thought about his father and wished he had stayed at home.

The storm ended after two days. The ship reached a safe port, but Robinson did not learn the lesson for long. A friend asked him to sail again. Robinson forgot his fear and went on another trip. This time, he traveled toward Africa to trade goods. He believed that the sea would bring him money and adventure.

The trip was better at first. Robinson saw warm land, strange animals, and busy towns near the coast. He learned how people bought and sold food, cloth, and tools. He wanted to become rich. But on the way home, a group of sailors attacked the ship. Robinson was taken away as a prisoner.

He was brought to a town in North Africa. The leader kept him in his house and made him work. Robinson carried water, cleaned rooms, and helped with small jobs. He was not free, and he missed England every day. At night, he looked at the moon and planned a way to escape.

After two years, Robinson found a chance. The leader sent him out in a small boat with a boy named Xury. Robinson had to fish for food. When the boat was far from land, he took control of it and sailed away. Xury was afraid, but Robinson promised to protect him.

They sailed along the coast for many days. They had little water and almost no food. Robinson watched the sea and looked for a place to stop. One morning, they saw a small beach. Robinson pulled the boat onto the sand. He and Xury walked into the trees and found fruit and fresh water.

Robinson did not know who lived in that land. He feared that people might find them. They kept the boat near the trees and slept in a quiet place. A group of local people came near the beach one day. They were not angry. Robinson gave them food and showed them that he wanted peace.

A large ship appeared on the sea. Robinson used a cloth to ask for help. The sailors saw him and came closer. They heard his story and allowed him and Xury to join the ship. Robinson was thankful. He had escaped from prison, crossed the sea, and found a new chance to live.

The ship took them to Brazil. Robinson decided to stay there. He bought land and planted sugar plants. He learned how to work with the soil and how to sell sugar. His farm grew slowly. He had a house, tools, and enough food. For a short time, he felt that his father's quiet life might not be so bad.

But Robinson still wanted more money. Some farmers in Brazil needed workers, and they planned to sail to Africa to bring people back. They asked Robinson to travel with them. He knew the trip could be dangerous, but he thought about his farm and his future. Once again, he chose the sea.

The ship left Brazil with a small group of sailors. At first, the sky was clear. Then a great storm began. The wind pushed the ship away from its path. The sailors tried to turn the ship, but the water was too strong. Days passed, and nobody knew where they were.

At last, the ship hit rocks near an unknown land. The wood broke, and water filled the lower room. Robinson and the other sailors jumped into a small boat. A large wave turned it over. Robinson was pushed under the water, but another wave carried him toward the shore.

He stayed on the beach until the sun went down. He looked at the dark sea and listened to the wind. There was no road, no house, and no light. Robinson wanted to cry, but he knew that crying would not bring the sailors back. He needed to find food, water, and a place to sleep before the next morning.

He opened his eyes on a lonely beach. The ship was gone. His clothes were wet, and his body was tired. He called for the other sailors, but no one answered. Robinson climbed a hill and looked around. He saw trees, rocks, and a wide sea. He was alone on an island.

He walked along the shore and found a small pool between the rocks. The water was clear, so he drank slowly. He found fruit in a tree and used a piece of cloth to carry it. The sky became dark. Robinson chose a dry place under a tree and held a sharp stick while he tried to sleep.

Before the night ended, he made a promise to himself. He would not waste the morning. He would look for the ship, count his food, and choose a safe home. Robinson did not know how long the island would be his home, but he knew that a plan was better than fear.

Robinson was afraid, but he did not give up. He saw that part of the ship was still above the water. If he could reach it, he might find food and tools. He made a small boat from wood and began to plan. The island was strange, but his life was now in his own hands.