Wishes

Magic Slippers

Ella finally reached her destination: a weeping willow tree. She sat on her knees in front of some inscription carved into the base of the tree. This was her mother's grave.

A little while back, Ella's stepfamily went to a very expensive shopping area. Before they left, Lucinda teased Ella, asking if she wanted anything. Ella thought seriously, and then asked for a willow branch. When the family returned, Florinda silently handed Ella the branch.

And now, this is what had come of the small branch. Ella placed it over her mother's grave in the woods just to help her remember where it was. The next day, she actually couldn't find it! She didn't initially recognize the branch that had magically grown into a healthy willow tree, let alone in the middle of the woods! Ever since though, she hadn't returned in a long time.

Ella now once again found the beloved tree standing tall. A freezing breeze blew by, weaving through the tree's dangling leaves. Ella shivered, looking down at her rags. "I, I wish..." A tear rolled down her cheek (this is her second tear in her whole life). Suddenly, everything around her slowed down. Her tear rolled off her cheek and into the slow wind.

It slowly circled Ella and separated into two clear drops. Ella cautiously stood up, turning around and around, gaping at the unbelievable scene.

Her rags changed into a creamy white fabric, and her hair weaved into a fancy ponytail. A few of the tree's leaves melted together into a creamy velvet masquerade mask. The two clear drops expanded and morphed into transparent shoes.

The shoes turned completely solid and descended into Ella's hands. She gazed upon them, realizing something. They're made of... Venetian glass!

Ella, now completely transformed: with a clean ponytail, a snowy white gown, and slippers made entirely of glass, smiled gratefully at her mother's tree. One of the leaves dropped down into Ella's hands. There was writing on it.

It said: Go! Go chase your wish! But just remember, at the stroke of midnight the magic will be lost. You must leave before anyone sees you. But don't worry. I'll let you keep the slippers. -Mother

Ella smiled and rushed off to the ball.