Curiouser

Wander

She sat by her ill mother's bed, too late to cure as the doctor checks for a pulse. The father grabs his daughter as she cries. The grasp on her mother's hand slips away. The girl reaches out, crying harder than ever before, "No!" Her voice echoes.

The doctor unfolds a white sheet over her mother's face. The door closes, and all the girl sees is darkness. The grip of her father's arms disappears.

All alone, the little girl coiled up with her arms wrapped around her knees. She sniffles with a burn in her throat from all the force of tears.

A scratchy voice echoes, "It is not all bad you see...everything will be just fine...trust me, child...the feeling will not last..."

As she squeezes her eyes shut, trembling from the voice, another voice snaps her back into reality, "Emily?" It was her older brother Nate.

With a look of worry on his face every time she's lived the same memory over since their father died a couple of years ago.

She wiped her eyes and said, "I'm ok." He sat at the foot of the bed, "You say that every time." She closed her eyes still coiled up under the sheets, groaning, "I do?"

"Yes, and you need help!" He pulled the blanket. Her body chilled from the sudden breeze, "Hey!" She tugged back.

He walked around to the side of the bed, turning his back before lying right on top of her, "Oi!" She growled, trying to break free, "You're too heavy!"

He chuckled, "Maybe you should get out of bed then." She flustered and yelled, "I will if you get off me!"

Straightening his suit, he said "As you wish." He put his hands in pockets facing the door, "You're so childish!" She said, throwing a pillow.

"Childish people are more fun." He said with a smile. Nate never took anything seriously, except for their parents' death of course. He was always there for Emily, like any big brother would. He'd make her laugh, forgetting the bad.

Nothing's been the same since their mother's passing. She can't seem to laugh anymore; it only brings more pain. It makes her remember it more than to forget. He tries his hardest, but he just doesn't get it. No one does. She squeezed the other pillow in her arms, pressing her cheek against it.

In the kitchen where he flipped pancakes in the air humming a tune, she walks in a frilly blue dress. He served the pancakes on a plate for the both of them, "Thank you." She said.

They were about to enjoy their breakfast, until there came a knock at the door, "I'll get that." He left the table.

A man at the door tipped his hat to him, "Good day to you. I have quite some news to share, if you don't mind?"

He nodded, "Not at all."

The man pulls out a scroll and clears his throat before reading, "This week will be the king's birthday! He has invited all to attend his ball at sundown tomorrow! Don't be late!" He bowed before leaving to the carriage. He closed the door, "Did you catch all that?" She mumbled under her breath, "Unfortunately..."

The king isn't as kind and generous like his father who once ruled four years ago before his death. He died of an illness which could not be treated. His only son, Prince Anthony, was crowned king the very next day, and he ruled selfishly.

She opens the wardrobe to find a dress she hasn't worn in a while. The mint green one with the white lace, perfect!

After lacing up her shoes, she stops at an old photograph of her family, long before their parents' death. Taking it in her hands, and looking down at their smiling faces, she said, "I miss you..."