Alice vs. Wonderland

Chapter 2. The Celebration Interrupted by a Shadow.

The sun flooded the room, whose décor clearly indicated that it belonged to a little girl. A large bed was covered with many velvet pink and gold pillows, and the lace-trimmed bedspread gave it a cozy appearance. Nearby stood a vanity table, neatly laid out with all sorts of bows and hair ribbons. Across from the window stood a red oak writing desk, on which sat a large porcelain doll with golden locks cascading from under a light blue bonnet. Scattered on the desk were drawings, clearly done by a child's hand, but with unusually detailed landscapes. One depicted mazes of tall, thick green hedges, creating a mysterious path to unknown adventures. Other drawings showed fountains in the shape of smiling fish playfully splashing water droplets that shimmered like pearls. One picture portrayed a castle surrounded by gardens, where rose bushes bloomed in a vast array of colors—from fiery reds to soft blues, golden yellows to deep purples. Sitting at the desk was a 10-year-old girl."Miss Liddell, your mother and father are expecting you in the drawing room," said Mary, the maid who had served the Liddell household for many years."Yes, Mary, I'm coming," Alice replied, closing her book. She quickly brushed her hair, then darted out of her room, bounding down the stairs while humming her favorite tune. Entering the drawing room, she squinted slightly from the bright sunlight streaming through the large window.The drawing room was a spacious space with high ceilings adorned with plasterwork and decorative medallions. The walls were lined with blue wallpaper featuring intricate floral patterns, while the floor was covered in dark parquet. At the center of one long wall was a fireplace, where logs crackled cozily. Opposite the fireplace were wooden cabinets with glass doors, displaying crystal and porcelain sets. Built-in bookshelves were filled with rare books and antique items. In the center of the room stood three sapphire-colored sofas trimmed with silver braid. On one of them sat Alice's mother, Lady Victoria Liddell, née Hampshire. She was dressed in an elegant gown with lace and velvet accents, and her jet-black hair was styled in an elaborate updo. There was something enchanting about her, a combination of gentleness and elegance that captivated anyone in her presence. Across from her, holding a copy of *The Daily Telegraph*, was Alice's father, Lord Charles Liddell, a respected aristocrat known throughout London for his kindness and active public service. He was dressed in a formal tailcoat, highlighting his status and dignity."Good morning, Mama, Papa," Alice cheerfully called out as she ran into the room, flopping onto the sofa next to her mother. Lady Victoria hugged and kissed her daughter, her warm and tender attention making Alice feel special on this festive day."How wonderful it is that the holidays at Queens College have begun," Mrs. Liddell smiled, her green eyes shining with pride for her daughter. "We now have time for fun and family joy.""Indeed," Lord Charles added, momentarily looking up from his newspaper. "Francis, have breakfast served."Francis Elliott, the butler responsible for managing the household staff with great organization and dedication, approached with a slight bow. He wore a formal black suit and a constant smile."Certainly, Mr. Liddell," Francis replied, "Shall I have Miss Alice's favorite pastries brought out?""Of course, it's a special day after all," Lord Charles said, smiling fondly at Alice. "Today is our little girl's birthday."He paused, looking first at his wife, then back at his daughter, his eyes twinkling like the sea, full of hidden joy.Mr. and Mrs. Liddell exchanged glances filled with mutual understanding and warm affection. Then Lord Charles turned to Alice with a mysterious smile."Your mother and I have a surprise for you.""Oh? What is it?" Alice asked, cuddling up to her mother, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement."Sweetheart, you'll need to be a bit patient. You'll find out during the celebration," Mrs. Liddell said, mimicking a gesture of zipping her lips to emphasize the secrecy of the surprise. Then she laughed, her laughter like music, filling the room with joy. "But I'm sure you'll love it!"Alice noticed her father's expression soften as he looked at her mother, a gentleness appearing in his eyes, as though he, too, were part of the surprise. At that moment, Francis entered the drawing room with a tray of small pastries adorned with sugar roses and cream. Their sweet, enticing aroma filled the air."In honor of Miss Alice's birthday," Francis said, carefully setting the tray on the table, "we have prepared her favorite pastries. Enjoy, madam, and you too, Miss."Lord Charles nodded in approval, continuing to gaze at his daughter with pride. Alice, noticing his delight, became even more cheerful, sensing that this day would be special and unforgettable..

***Alice stood frozen in shock, her mind unable to process what had just happened. Her ears rang, and her heart pounded wildly, as if it might burst from her chest at any moment. Her hands were cold and sticky with sweat, and her breath came in short, shallow gasps. She tried to take a deep breath, but the air felt heavy and unyielding. The festive atmosphere of joy and celebration had suddenly been replaced by darkness and horror. What had seemed like a happy occasion had turned into a nightmare for her family, and the happiness they had been celebrating was now under threat.Amid the chaos and confusion, fragments of voices and cries reached her. Mr. Jason Morris, the family doctor, rushed past her, his face etched with deep concern. In his hands, he clutched a medical bag, which he hurriedly opened as he moved. His hands trembled from tension, but his movements were swift and decisive."She's not breathing, Morris! She's not breathing!" Lord Charles shouted, his voice shaking with fear and desperation."Go to your daughter, Charles," Mr. Morris ordered as he rushed to the scene. "We must act immediately!"Everything around Alice felt like a fog. She saw Mr. Morris spring into action, trying to restore her mother's breathing and heartbeat. He quickly opened his bag, pulling out medical tools, including blood transfusion kits, respiratory devices, and vascular medications. He carefully lifted Lady Victoria's head, cleared her airways, and began massaging her chest.He methodically checked her pulse, trying to restart her heart's rhythm. Mr. Morris knew that every second mattered.During all of this, Lord Charles held his daughter tightly in his arms, tears streaming down his face. Alice, though, could only stare at the scene, unable even to cry."Mama..." was all the girl managed to say before her vision went black, and the voices around her faded into silence. Lord Liddell felt his daughter go limp in his arms, just in time to catch her as she fainted.