A Wish for You

Chapter two: Asha's Big Day

Years later, seventeen-year-old Asha woke up early, eager to tackle the busy day, had always been a practical girl with a job.

Being a tour guide for the people of Rosas.

Yet she couldn’t help but feel as if she’d been venturing down an uncertain path as her father was a philosopher before he got sick.

She still hears her father lecture her on stars, even if they were forbidden, and how they were connected to all living things.

But there was so much that needed to be done for her grandfather's birthday! As she hurried to her room to get herself dressed, she thought about how she would surprise him with a special gift.

Asha knew that her grandfather wanted his wish from the King as the sorcerer because a great King in the kingdom of Rosas.

As she got out of her nightgown as she quickly changed into her embroidery purple dress. Now she was ready!

The bedroom door opened. “Okay.” Asha said to herself. She exhaled. “You got this.”

She took a deep breath and opened the door. She knew this was the moment she had been waiting for.

Asha walked into the kitchen, where her grandfather, Sabino was sitting at the table, reading a book. He looked up as she entered, and smiled. “Good morning, Asha,” he said. “Did you sleep well?”

“Good morning, Saba.” Asha said. "I slept well, thank you."

"That's good to hear," Sabino said. "I was just thinking about you, and how much I'm looking forward to your surprise."

Asha's heart skipped a beat. "You know about my surprise?" she asked.

"Of course I do," Sabino said. "I'm your grandfather. I know everything."

Asha smiled. "I'm glad," she said. "I was hoping you would like it."

"I'm sure I will," Sabino said. "But what is it?"

Asha hesitated for a moment. "I'm not sure if I should tell you," she said. "It's a surprise, after all."

"Asha," Sabino said, "you can tell me. I promise I won't tell anyone."

Asha took a deep breath. "Okay," she said. "I'm going to ask the King for your wish."

Sabino's eyes widened. "You're going to do that?" he asked.

"Yes," Asha said. "I know it's a long shot, but I think it's worth a try."

Sabino smiles. "I'm proud of you, Asha," he said. "I know you'll do your best."

"Thank you, Saba," Asha said. "I'll do my best."

Asha turned and walked out of the kitchen, feeling a sense of determination. She was going to do this. She was going to ask the King for her grandfather's wish.

Just then, her mother, Sakina arrived at their home. Sakina was a kind and loving woman, but she was also very strict. She had always taught her daughter to be respectful and obedient, and she expected her to follow her rules.

“Hola, mom.” Asha said.

"Asha, what are you doing?" Sakina asked. "You should be in your room, studying."

"I'm going to see the King," Asha said.

"What?" Sakina said, her eyes widening. "You can't do that. It's forbidden for commoners to see the King."

"I know," Asha said. "But I have to. I need to ask him for my grandfather's wish."

"Asha, you don't understand," Sakina said. "The King is a powerful man. He could have you killed if he wanted to. You can't just go up to him and ask him for something."