With Love, Emma

Once upon a time, there lived a little girl Emma in a cozy cottage by the riverside.
Every morning she ran to her hideout among the trees near the river, and read aloud her favourite tales.
There were no other folks around to listen and nod their heads.
But the flowing river and the swaying trees, buzzing bees and the pleasant breeze made a wonderful audience to little Emma's stories.

One fine morning, Emma, lost as usual in her fairy world, heard a sound and looked up startled. There stood a little boy, a little boy named Eddie.

Emma knew not where he's from and why he came.

But looking into his eyes, it felt like being at home.
The world seemed more colorful, brighter, cheerful and magical.
Hand-in-hand they walked along. Humming a song all way long.

Day after day, they met at the hideout.
Emma read aloud to Eddie, mixing up stories or making up her own.
And this is how Happily Ever After feels like, thought little Emma.

But one day, little Eddie did not come.
That day, colors seemed less bright and the scents less intense.
Emma felt that magic came and left with Eddie and world seemed like a faded book.
For days and days, Emma looked around here, there and everywhere, but couldn't find him.

Emma knew not where he's gone and why he left

Emma felt lost and lonely. 'Yes', thought Emma 'there are other kids around... but none are like Eddie'.
Crying herself to sleep in her hideout, Emma had a dream.
And in the dream was dear little Eddie.
Hand-in-hand they walked along. Humming a song all way long.
They walked near the river and Eddie asked her to look into the river.
Emma saw their images in the river and smiled at him and lo! Eddie was gone.
Tears welled up in her eyes when Eddie's voice rang out clear and pleasant, 'Look into yourself and see what you find'.
But Emma's eyes were full of tears and she couldn't see anything.
Then said Eddie: 'Wipe your tears for then only you can see Magic'.

Emma did so and what did she see!
In her reflection, she could see Eddie in her heart, smiling back at her.
She bent down in wonder to touch the image and woke up with a start.

So this is a dream. thought Emma.
Yet, it felt so real than anything else that Emma decided this is Magic.

From that day on, Emma always smiled.
She knew noone else can be Eddie but she saw him in herself and everyone around her, and spread around the magic, love and joy that Eddie had shown to her.

And this is how Happily Ever After feels like, thought little Emma...

'Tears have no place in world of magic, hmm, only exception being tears of joy' - Emma :)