Once Upon A time - season 1

That still small voice

The Enchanted Forest – Past

In the heart of the Enchanted Forest, a lively crowd gathered around a puppet show set up in a clearing. Children's laughter and the excited chatter of spectators filled the air as the puppeteers skillfully manipulated their marionettes. The stage was alive with colorful characters.  "I wish, I wish, but nothing changes. I wish I was better at wishing*" the Princess Puppet lamented dramatically, her voice tinged with melancholy. The crowd's attention was focused on her, unaware of the small boy weaving through their midst. His fingers were nimble, slipping into pockets and bags, collecting coins while the distraction of the puppet show kept him hidden from view. With practiced ease, he pocketed his ill-gotten gains and melted away into the woods, the clinking of coins muffled by the surrounding noise.

The show continued with heightened tension. "Aha! I will slay the fearsome dragon, milady, or die trying!" the Prince Puppet declared bravely, striking a heroic pose.

"Goodbye, dear prince. It was nice knowing you!" the Princess Puppet responded as she was removed from the stage. In her place, a fearsome Dragon Puppet was introduced with a dramatic flourish.

"Who dares disturb my sleep?" the Dragon Puppet roared, its eyes glowing menacingly.

"Uh, he went that way!" the Prince Puppet stammered, pointing offstage with exaggerated gestures.

"Then I will go that way!" the Dragon Puppet growled, lumbering off in the direction indicated. The Prince Puppet's voice faded as the scene shifted, leaving the audience in suspense.

—

Later, in the quiet woods away from the bustling square, the puppeteers Martin and Myrna, along with their son Jiminy, gathered to examine their earnings from the day's performance. The soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds provided a serene backdrop to their discussion. Martin's eyes were wide with excitement as he carefully poured out the coins. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Careful, careful," he cautioned, his hands steady as he sorted the pile.

Myrna, her gaze sharp and practical, advised, "Don't let those coins roll away." With a flourish, Martin performed a sleight-of-hand trick, making a coin disappear from his palm and reappear behind Myrna's ear. "Whoop, whoop, ha! Look at that," he said, his face lighting up with amusement.

Jiminy, clutching a small cage, peered in with fascination. "Oh, a cricket! I love crickets."

Myrna's face tightened in mild disapproval. "Crickets are trouble. Noisy bugs."

Jiminy's eyes followed the cricket's movements with envy. "But they get to do whatever they want, hopping from place to place. They're free."

Myrna's tone softened slightly. "You're free."

Martin added, "To do what we want."

Myrna's gaze was gentle. "To be who you are."

Martin nodded in agreement. "And you are who you are."

Jiminy's expression grew thoughtful. "Well, maybe I want to be something else. Maybe I don't want to steal. Maybe I want to be good."

Martin chuckled softly. "All that from a cricket."

Myrna's eyes held a knowing glint. "Told ya. Trouble."

Martin's tone was dismissive but kind. "'Good' is another word for 'weak'."

Myrna's voice was firm. "Let us do the thinking for you."

Martin agreed. "That's what parents are for."