The Taken Girl

Father left when I was eleven. It was at this time That I began regular jaunts to grandma's house. Mom worked; and, my older sister was pure slime. Grandma was wonderful, but, as silent as a mouse. It was during such a visit, on a warm summer day, That I delighted in a discovery of magical proportions. After breakfast, grandma would sit still and drift away. Free to explore, I peeked and felt without repercussions. In the attic I found chests and boxes of fabulous wares: Old clothes, artifacts, worn photographs and ... a journal, Which jumped into my arms and scare-bumped my hairs. It spoke of grandpa, the garden ... and a visitor nocturnal. I stuffed the journal in my backpack and exited that cell. At night, by flashlight, I read under my "Supergirl" throw. Pages were torn and/or missing -- save for a magic spell: To summon a fairy/Angel and be granted a wishful show. It was grandpa's secret writings, and I didn't think she knew. The next day mom dropped me off and, while grandma dozed, I went out to find that spot in the garden to read and fairy brew. My tea was hot and steaming as I recited and gracefully posed.... Out of nowhere came an Oberon sprite, a hovering, gliding fairy: "What is your wish? A boy to kiss? A household rich?" She peeped. I thought long and hard the night before: "Return my father to me." "There is a cost. A thing to take and a price to pay," She squeaked. "What is the cost?" I said, impatiently, scared that grandma would hear. "That I cannot say. It's not fit for mortals to know," She resolutely spoke. "Whatever," I sighed. "Please grant my wish?!" I felt a cold, dreadful fear. Then the fairy and my special fae tea vanished in a puff of purple smoke. I cried with joy as my father (without apology or explanation) returned. Sadly, sis, and especially mom, were not as ecstatic or enthusiastic as me. I didn't see much of grandma after that -- I heard her health had turned. I knew, without knowing, I had done a bad thing. It's time to make a plea. I begged mom to let me visit with grandma while she was feeling ill. She was in her favorite chair. I took a breath and blurted everything out. I was given a stack of blank pages and instructed how make them fill. Grandpa also made a fairy deal to remove grandma's cancerous sprout! "Don't fret, my beautiful child," She cried. "You need a loving father." "But, Grandma," I said. "They're still fighting -- and, you're getting worse!" "Is there any way we can null the deal and challenge this magical bother?" "My dear," She smiled. "Return the journal and let me deal with this curse." I relinquished the journal and waited. The family was not doing well.... A week later grandma made a surprise visit, carrying a rather large bag. She spoke to me in private, after the family had left to eat and swell. "Grandma," I said, "I've got to know. Did you talk with that spiteful nag?" "My sweet pudding pie," She cooed, "Nothing for you to worry or pout." "I'm fine; and, your father will stay or go -- no magic can help a spouse." "Yes, I understand that now," I said. "But, how did you turn her about?" "You will have to protect her home for as long as you live in this house." "But, Grandma," I said, "What happens if I'm grown and have to move?" "Why, my darling little girl, that is entirely another awesome, fairy story!" July 12, 2016 A Delightful Children's Fable - Poetry Contest