𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓; 𝐏𝐄𝐃𝐑𝐈

𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲

✩♬ ₊.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
❝ 𝒊 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒌𝒊𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 ❞

⌞ J U N E - 2 0 1 0 ⌝

I was sprawled on the living room floor, surrounded by a colorful mess of craft supplies. Glitter sparkled in the sunlight, and I giggled as I glued pink sequins onto my cardboard castle.

It was my best creation yet, and I was lost in a world of make-believe, imagining tiny fairies living inside. The thrill of creation felt like magic, wrapping around me in a warm hug.

"Look at this!" I called out, pretending my friends were there to admire my masterpiece. I imagined their wide eyes and bright smiles, and I felt so happy, so free.

I wish they were here with me right now — at least Maria. But, my mom hardly lets me see them — afraid we'd make a huge mess in our house.

I never understood why she cared, the maids always cleaned it up anyway.

Then I heard her footsteps — the familiar heavy heel clicking that made my heart race. I quickly tried to hide the mess, but it was too late.

My mom walked in, her eyes narrowing as she took in the chaos. "Bella! What is this?" Her voice was sharp, slicing through my joy like a knife.

"I was just making a castle!" I said, my excitement faltering. "It's for the fairies." I smile softly. Maybe if she saw I was happy, she won't scold me.

But I should've known better.

"A castle? This place looks like a tornado hit it!" She threw her hands up in exasperation. "Do you think I have time to clean up after your childish games?"

You don't, the maids do.

I bit my lip, trying to hold back tears. "I was just having fun..." I whispered, but her face darkened.

"Fun? You're six years old for God's sake! You should be doing something that matters, not imagining stupid fairies!" Her words felt like heavy stones, each one pressing down on my little heart.

I just wanted to create something magical, but instead, I felt so small and ashamed.

"Why can't you be more like the other kids? They know how to play without making such a mess!" She continued, her tone rising, "you're so selfish. Do you even think about how hard I work to give you everything you have? I buy you stuff that other kids' parents can't even afford, and this is how you repay me?"

I looked around at the scattered glitter and colorful paper, feeling tears welling up in my eyes. I wanted to explain how happy it made me, how I was building a world of my own, but the words wouldn't come out. Instead, I just stared at the floor, my heart aching.

After all, I was just a kid. How could I have the words to explain?

"You're wasting my time, Bella. I should be able to come home to a nice, clean house, not this disaster." Her voice was cold, each word piercing through me like a sharp knife.

"I'm sorry..." I managed, but it felt so small against her anger.

"Sorry? That's all you ever say! But it never changes anything, does it?" She shook her head in disappointment.

I felt my cheeks burn with shame. I wanted to tell her how much I loved crafting, how much I truly enjoyed it, but it seemed impossible to speak.

So, I just nodded, my heart heavy with her words.

"Just clean this up and go to your room." She ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I can't deal with you right now."

I turned away, tears finally spilling down my cheeks as I began to gather the remnants of my fun. Each piece of glitter felt like a piece of my happiness slipping away, leaving me cold and empty inside.

I glanced at my castle one last time, feeling like I was losing a part of myself, a part that had made me feel special and loved.

Once in my room, I closed the door and sank onto my bed, wrapping my arms around my knees. The silence felt heavy, and I missed the joy of creation.

I could hear my mother calling for one of our maids to clean the remaining 'mess' I had left on the floor as I stared at the walls, wishing they could offer me some comfort.

I hugged my knees tighter as I silently sobbed, the weight of her words pressing down on me. I was just a little girl, who wanted to build a little castle for the fairies.

Just then, there was a soft knock on my door. It creaked open, and my dad stepped inside, his warm smile immediately lighting up the dim room.

"Hey there, cariño." He said gently, his voice soothing like a soft breeze. He knew how hard Mom could be, and he always seemed to have a way of making things better.

I don't reply as I sniffle, trying to wipe away my tears. I didn't want him to see me upset, but it was too late.

He crouched down beside me, looking at the floor covered in glitter and paper. "I see you've been busy," he said, his eyes sparkling with genuine interest. "What are you working on?"

"A castle for the fairies," I whispered in shame, my voice barely above a sob. He nodded slowly, his expression shifting to one of understanding. "How thoughtful of you. You have such a wonderful imagination."

I looked up at him, his words wrapping around me like a warm blanket. "Really? You think so?"

"Absolutely. It's amazing what you can do with a little bit of glue and some glitter. It shows how creative you are," he said, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I'm running out of crafting supplies." I mumbled, wiping my face with my shirt as he placed his palm on the top of my head.

"I'll bring you new supplies tomorrow." My Dad said, "more glitter and sequins?" his voice was gentle and warm as I smiled and nodded, feeling a little spark of hope return. "But what if she gets mad again?"

Who knows, maybe next time she'll actually hit me.

"She won't if you don't make a huge mess. Just..remember to clean up afterward, okay?" He said. I managed a small smile, comforted by his presence. "Okay, papá."

He stood up, ruffling my hair playfully. "How about we work on it together? I could help you make the best castle ever."

"Really?" My heart soared at the idea.

"Of course! Just give me a second to wash my hands, and I'll be right back." He grinned before heading out of the room, leaving me feeling lighter.

As I watched him leave, I realized that even though my mom's words hurt, I had someone who believed in me.

I could create my castle, and this time, I wouldn't let anyone shatter my happiness. I would build it up, piece by piece, with the support of the one person who understood me best.

My Dad.