Ehrhart

Snow's Love Song

Anastasia sat on the edge of Snow's wishing well, shooting a nervous smile to Casper. Casper set his blue hat upside-down on the ground, and from the window of Snow's house, the curtain rustled and the huntsman peered through to watch.

"You start," Casper said.

"I know," Anastasia said and cleared her throat. "I'm just nervous. I've never sung in public."

"Just keep your eyes on me, then," Casper said. "That way you won't look at the people staring at you."

It seemed like a good enough idea, and Anastasia locked eyes with Snow White's prince.

"I'm wishing," she started, her voice clear and loud.

The two words attracted five people. "It's the prince," one whispered to their friend.

"I'm wishing," Casper echoed.

"For the one I love to find me-"

"To find me-"

"Today."

"Today."

It seemed easy enough, and the pair had already earned about ten gold coins and had a small crowd watching them.

Suddenly the world seemed to brighten around Anastasia as she gazed at the prince; the colors brighter, the crowd happier, the sun warmer. She stood up and twirled as she sang, and then began to dance. The prince laughed and they kept up the singing, the crowd cheering them on eagerly.

Finally, Anastasia unintentionally twirled right into the prince's arms, and he caught her, holding out his arms.

Not really thinking about it, Anastasia took them, and the two began to waltz around the well.

When the song ended, both of them were happy and breathless, and Anastasia had a new admiration for the prince that she didn't understand.

The crowd dispersed, with the hat full of coins overflowing.

"Thank you," Anastasia said, not really sure why she said it.

"Will I see you again?"

Anastasia paused. Then she began to walk back to Snow's cottage with a smile on her face that was slowly expanding as her father watched them through the window.

"Tomorrow," she said, and she meant it.