There once was a smart and strong-willed girl named Mulan, who lived in a small village in northern China with her parents, older sister, and younger brother. One day, Mulan sat weaving, watching her father pacing in the room. He looked old and frail. She stopped. Turning to her father, she asked, "Baba what is worrying you ?" With a faraway look in his eyes, her father replied, "I received a letter. The emperor has called for all men to defend our country. I must leave the family to join the army." "How can you go? you are not well... and brother is far too young to go," Mulan said with concern in her voice. Mulan thought for a moment and then announced, "Baba I can go in your place." "How can you serve? you are only a girl," replied her father. "I know I can. I am a strong and able girl," Mulan insisted. The next day, Mulan, dressed in her father's clothes, went to the market to buy a horse, a saddle, a bridle, and a whip for the trip. In the morning, Mulan bid farewell to her family. When she arrived at the army camp, she and the troops set off for the north. Riding long miles, Mulan traveled to the Yellow river. At night she camped at the riverbank. Tired, Mulan dozed off to the sound of running water. She dreamed about her parents calling her. "Mulan... "She missed her family. Mulan rode on and traveled up to the top of black Mountain and settled across form the enemy's camp. Exhausted, she fell asleep to the distant sound of the neighing horses. again, Mulan dreamed about her parents calling her name. she missed her family even more. But she knew she was a strong and able girl. she was determined to work hard serving her country to make her family proud.
