Melted

Once upon a time… there lived a queen, beautiful and elegant, but she had fear living inside of her, and she was gradually getting weaker day by day. An evil force was at work, draining her powers that she was blessed with at birth. Queen Elsa of New York could do nothing but worry, put on a brave facade to face the unknown evil toiling around, and desperately hope that her gift wouldn’t end up being a curse.

            “Elsa! What do you need? How can I help you?! Please, Elsa, let me help you!” Anna, the Queen’s younger sister, asked frantically. “I’ll do anything for you, Elsa!”

            Seeing Elsa so weak hurt Anna, and added even more to the burden she could barely bear to take on. The ice flowing through her sister’s veins would soon be gone and then Elsa’s body wouldn’t be able to live and carry out its functions without it.

            “I’m okay, really. I’m fine. I just need to lie down for a moment.” Elsa tried hopelessly to reassure Anna, but deep down she knew it wasn’t a very convincing statement. “On second thought, Anna, could you please go get me a glass of ice water?”

            As soon as Anna left the room, Elsa let out a sigh. She knew this wouldn’t end well for her. Anna would finally be safe, though. She wouldn’t have to worry about losing control of her powers and accidentally hurting her.

            “Why is this happening to us Elsa? What did we do wrong?” a normally happy, upbeat, snowman named Olaf, rushed over to Elsa’s side and inquired, sounding rather defeated.

            “It’s just the Earth, Olaf. It’s getting warmer each and every day. I don’t know why or how, but it is. You will be okay. I promise.”

            Olaf seemed doubtful but believed anything that came out of Elsa’s mouth. She had created him out of snow, magic, and love, and that was that. She would never speak untruly to him, not ever.

            “Is this summer? I used to love the idea of summer. Bees buzzing and kids blowing dandelion fuzz! I used to dream of a drink in my hand and my snow up against the burning sand! Elsa, I would probably get gorgeously tan in summer!” an excited Olaf spoke with a booming yet friendly voice. “But on second thought, if this is summer, I don’t like the thought of it anymore.” Olaf was beginning to realize what would happen when heat and cold were mixed.

            Trying to smile, Elsa replied, “I’m afraid this isn’t summer Olaf. This is something much worse and dangerous.” Elsa paused to catch her breath. Her energy was wearing thin. “We have to be strong for Anna. Okay, Olaf? We can’t let Anna know what is becoming of us.”

            Olaf gazed down upon the wooden floor. A puddle was starting to form under him. Slowly, he watched as a drop of water ran off his orange, carrot nose. “I love Anna,” thought Olaf aloud, “some people are worth melting for. You and Anna are certainly those people, and as long as you will both be happy, I won’t let her know.”

            Such a big statement from her best friend almost brought Elsa to tears. Olaf had said this as if it was nothing, but it meant the world to her. “I love you too, Olaf. Now remember--”

            Elsa’s reminder was truncated by the squeaking hinge signaling the opening of the bedroom door across the room. No one came in though, causing Olaf and Elsa to freeze and listen.

            “We must do something. This isn’t right. I know this isn’t just a cold or sickness or whatever she wants me to believe. This is serious, okay? Please, we need to do something.”