A Sapphire's Tale

Chapter Eleven

Chapter 11: The Sapphire Tale

Evelyn closed the old, weathered book with a soft thud, her hands lingering on the cover. The three siblings sat around her, their eyes fixed on her as if they were seeing her in a new light. The story she had just finished weaving still hung in the air, its weight palpable and profound.

For a moment, there was silence. Then Emilia broke it, her voice soft but filled with warmth. "That was a great story, Evelyn. Really." She smiled, her expression a mix of admiration and tenderness.

Jake let out a small laugh, glancing at Josh. "Yeah, I'd say it was... enlightening," he teased, nudging his brother playfully with his elbow.

Josh raised an eyebrow, feigning annoyance. "Oh, so you found it enlightening, huh?"

Jake shrugged with a grin, his eyes sparkling with humor. "Well, yeah. What can I say? It made me think. And I think... I lash out at you as much anymore."

Evelyn let out a laugh, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Well, that was the point," she said with a knowing smile, her tone teasing but kind.

"Though, couldn't there have been more depth to it? You know, the character development, and even their journey?", Jake asked with a cocked eyebrow, questioning the told story, but Evelyn only smiles.

"Well, that's what happens when each time it's ever told, the original version is simplified", she shrugs, leaving Jake slightly confused yet with a sense of understanding.

"And maybe the story could've delved deeper", she continued with a thoughtful look,"but this depth- this version - always sufficed for me", said Evelyn, casting a wistful gaze at the book.

Josh looked back at Jake, his usual smirk softening. There was something unspoken between them, a glance that carried a quiet understanding. It wasn't perfect -years of sibling rivalry wouldn't dissolve in a single moment- but there was something new there. A willingness to try.

---

Just as the mood settled into this newfound warmth, the sound of soft footsteps echoed through the room. All four of them turned toward the staircase, where their grandmother was descending slowly, her presence dignified yet warm.

"Grandma?" Emilia said, her tone laced with surprise.

The older woman gave them a gentle smile. "I've been here the whole time," she said, walking toward them with a grace that seemed almost timeless. "And I must say, Evelyn... you told the story beautifully."

Evelyn blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Wait, you were listening?"

Her grandmother chuckled. "Of course, my dear. How could I not? It's a story that's very close to my heart."

The siblings exchanged curious glances.

"You knew about the story?" Josh asked, tilting his head.

Their grandmother nodded, her expression softening as she gazed at them. "Yes. When I was little, my mother -your great-grandmother- told me this story. It's been passed down for generations."

Emilia, ever inquisitive, leaned forward. "Wait, you were told this story too?"

Their grandmother smiled wistfully. "Oh yes. It's as much a part of our family as the name Sapphire, and those sisters happen to be our ancestors. Of course, over the years, little bits and pieces have been added or changed when it came to telling it."

Evelyn nodded in agreement. "Mum and Dad told me this story when I was younger. I think Mum may have added her own twist, though. A little... Christmas magic, maybe?"