Cynicalella

3

I loved playing in the fields near our home. I would chase the butterflies at day and the fireflies at night. I gathered colorful flowers and made them into crowns and bracelets. Sometimes, mother would braid them in my hair.

In the afternoon, my tutor would come to teach my subjects. Sometimes, it would be math, at other times it was science and on dull days, there was history. Although, I have to study literature everyday. May it be English, French or Spanish. Sometimes, I have to study using a different language.

After my studies, we would have tea and pastries as mother would teach me music and arts.

Sometimes, I would help in taking care of the farm animals or watch the farmer's plow the land. Secretly, I asked the maids to teach me household chores for father didn't let me do any. The maids agreed nervously but I had a fun time doing so.

This was my childhood and my life for the longest time, well, before I turned sixteen but that will come later. The important event I am telling you today is the day of my eighth birthday.

On that day, we had a picnic in the fields. Father blew the bubbles he got me and I chased them.

When I was tired, I layed down on my mother's lap.

"You're tired already? But princess, you didn't open your surprise yet." Father said.

"Really?" I asked as I quickly sat up.

They handed me a big blue gift box. I opened the box to see a white furry thing. The thing stretched itself and sat upright.

"It's a puppy!" I exclaimed as I clapped my hands.

"What will you name him, dear?" Mother asked.

The white poodle barked playfully. His fur was white like snow and soft like cotton. He was also very bouncy and playful.

"Snowflake!" I cheered.

My parents laughed as Snowflake jumped on me and started to lick my face.

I hugged my parents tight. It was one of the best days ever.

After my birthday, I stayed home, playing with Snowflake. My daily schedule was followed. Breakfast then I would play. After lunch is my studies then tea time which I most enjoyed. Sometimes, I would go help in the household chores. Although, during tea time, mother didn't come teach me my music and arts. Instead it was father who helped me learn.

I did not see my mother for almost a week. It was unusually quite that week. Father told me that she was very ill and if I go near, I might get ill as well.

I followed as my father said and stayed in my room. Every night, father would read me a story to keep me company. He read to me fairy tales about princesses and magic. He told me that magic is true and that I should stay kind and believe to see it. Mother also believed in magic and always told me that I have a fairy godmother watching over me.

One night, father didn't come to read me a story. So, I walked to my parents' room to ask father to read to me but instead I heard a conversation.

"She doesn't have enough time left. I'm so sorry."

"Thank you Doctor."

The door opened and the family doctor walked out.

"Ms. Ella, it's a pleasure to see you again but I must be going." He greeted.

I bowed politely and stood beside the door to my parents' room. I peeked through the door to see my mother lying on her bed. She is very pale and looks very weak.

"Mama?" I squeaked.

"Come now, darling." She asked.

I walked cautiously towards her and stood beside her. I took hold of her hand but it was so cold.

"Ella, you have more kindness in you little finger than anyone possesses in their entire body. You must remember: 'Be kind and have courage'." She told me.

A few tears dropped from my eyes. Even father started to sob.

"You must forgive me for I have to leave very soon." She asked.

"Of course, I forgive you." I told her.

She hugged me tight and father came to hug is as well.

"I love you both." She whispered to us.

Of course, I loved her just as much and father does too.

But after that moment, I never saw her again.