A Twisted Fairytale

Mother Gothel

Gothel has Geroscophobia, the fear of growing old.

When I was younger, I always looked up to my mother. She was absolutely beautiful. Curly black hair, shining green eyes, red lips, rosy cheeks, and a luminous glow that surrounded her. My favourite moments with her were when she would style my curly hair infront of the mirror. She would tell me how beautiful I was. Her beautiful flower. It was like this until I turned the age of Fifteen.

My mother's work schedule seemed to heighten, working busy days and nights. My mother was the Queen's Maid in Waiting, a very important job. I didn't work much. The servant's children mostly stayed in the kitchen, or picked flowers for centerpieces. I didn't see much of my mother, not until she started growing ill.

As time went on so did my mother's sickness, she became bedridden. Everyday, I went to sit beside her as she got weaker and weaker, older and older. Her once black curls turned into thin anf brittle grey strands. Her once green eyes had become sunken and dull. Her once luminous glow was now completely faded. Her once smooth face replaced with wrinkles.

Each day I visited, the more anxious I got. The most beautiful woman in the world was fading away in looks, and in health. One day, she sat me down and told me a story in her raspy voice.

"My dear flower, do you remember the story I told you? When you were young?"

"No."

"The one about the special flower. That's just a fairytale?"

She coughed quite harshly.

"Oh, but it is not a fairytale. Do you know why I called you flower? It is because of that magical plant. So beautiful, so special. This flower can cure anything from a tiny cold to bringing someone back to life."

"Beauty."

I blurted out.

"What?"

"Can it fix beauty?"

"Beauty fades, flower. What did I tell you when you were younger?"

"Thebeautyontheoutsidefadesbutthebeautyontheinsidewillremainifyouletit."

I very quickly replied.

"But will it fix it?"

"I suppose, but don't chase after something that won't stay, flower."

She said, coughing to the side. I abruptly stood up.

"I'll find it! I'll bring it back to you. You'll be healthy and beautiful again! You'll be so beautiful that Snow White would be jealous! Just give me a few days! You'll have everything you want again!"

I said, running out the door.

"All I want is to spend my last days with you."

She sighed to herself. I didn't hear her words, as I was already down the hall.

3 days passed and I couldn't find this flower. I searched the entire castle grounds. I looked through every nook and cranny. I knew exactly what I was looking for, but it just wasn't there. I was defeated walking back to my mother's room.