Chapter 8 — The Empty Chair

How many sleeps until Daddy comes home? That’s what Ava wants to know when he leaves snowy Sweden for a work trip to southern France.While Ava practises cartwheels and Arvid comes home with a haircut he wishes he could undo, Daddy tries something at dinner that Ava can hardly believe. On his way home through Paris, he spots a little surprise to bring back.A warm bedtime story about missing someone, finding reasons to laugh, and the sound of a key turning in the front door.

Christmas begins with a snowy adventure as Daddy, Mum, Arvid and Ava head into the Swedish woods to choose two trees. One will fill their home with lights and handmade decorations but the second has a different purpose.Join the family for laughter, music, and a Christmas surprise for the woodland animals, in a warm story about making memories together and sharing kindness beyond our own front door.A cosy chapter of Kids’ Story Time with Arash, for children and families to enjoy together.

Arvid and Ava enter the mysterious world of Boda Borg, where every room brings a new challenge. From dark rooms and hidden blocks to tunnels, poles, monkey bars and a final leap across the moat, the family must think, climb, cooperate and keep trying when things do not go as planned.For Ava especially, the day becomes a lesson in perseverance — discovering that failing a quest does not mean the adventure is over. With Daddy and Mum beside them, teamwork, laughter and determination turn an ordinary family outing into The Quest.A warm family adventure from Kids’ Story Time, celebrating courage, problem-solving and the joy of trying again.

Rostam is growing into the hero he was destined to become, but before his greatest adventures can begin, he must find a horse worthy of carrying him.Among all the horses brought before him, one is different — powerful, fearless and impossible to tame. His name is Rakhsh.In this chapter, Rostam and Rakhsh meet for the first time, and something remarkable happens. Neither chooses the other in the ordinary way. Instead, they seem to recognise each other.A story of strength, trust and the beginning of one of the greatest friendships in the Shahnameh.Part of A Family Story — where winter evenings in Sweden open the door to the ancient legends of Persia.

Daddy is far from home, finishing a long work trip while Arvid, Ava and Mum carry on with life in snowy Sweden. But as the journey home begins, the distance between them starts to feel smaller.On the train, Daddy thinks about the sounds, stories and small moments waiting for him at home. And when he finally walks through the door, Arvid and Ava are ready with questions, hugs—and one very important request: it is time to continue the story of Rostam.A warm chapter about family, absence, coming home, and the stories that bring us together.

Daddy is getting ready to leave on a work trip, and the family shares a quiet, heartfelt moment before he goes. In the warmth of their snowy home, an empty chair reminds them how much one person can mean to a family.

The morning after Yalda, fresh snow transforms the forest into a quiet winter world. Arvid and Ava join Mum and Daddy for a cross-country skiing adventure through the snowy woods, where Ava skis farther than ever before and shares a gentle, unforgettable moment with a curious deer. A warm family story about perseverance, nature, and the memories we make together.

On the longest night of the year, the family gathers together for Yalda, surrounded by warmth, food, laughter, music, and old traditions.As the children enjoy the evening with their cousins, Daddy opens the Hafez and shares a little of the magic that has been passed from one generation to the next.A warm family story about togetherness, Persian tradition, and finding light in the darkest night.

Zal, Rudaba and the Golden FeatherZal has grown from the abandoned child of Mount Alborz into a young man, and his journey now leads him to Rudaba. Their love must overcome old fears and family history, but an even greater challenge awaits when Rudaba’s life is placed in danger.When Zal can find no other way to help her, he remembers the three golden feathers given to him by the Simurgh—and for the first time, one of them must be burned.A story of love, forgiveness, family, and the birth of one of Persia’s greatest heroes: Rostam.Episode 5 of our family storytelling series, inspired by the Shahnameh and told from a warm winter home in Sweden.

High in the mountains, an abandoned child with snow-white hair is discovered by the mighty Simurgh. In this chapter, the ancient tale of Zal begins with sorrow, wonder, and an extraordinary act of protection that will shape his destiny.