Forgotten Stories

Ellie sat in the old chair in her Granny's room, a well-worn book in her lap, she'd read and reread this book hundreds of times. Her Granny lay in bed, eyes closed, but still awake, Ellie could tell because her fingers still tapped along her hand.

Ellie always visited alone on Tuesday afternoons, while her boys were at school, and her husband was at work. “Ready for another story Granny?" She nodded slowly with a small smile on her face. Ellie started, “Once upon a time, in a land not so much unlike yours and mine, there lived a girl who believed in fairies. She would spend her days hunting for them in the flower garden, deep in the forest and even near the pond. The world felt so magical to her that she couldn't believe there wasn't something to it.

Her mother would laugh and shake her head at the silly girl, "Just remember darlin, should you ever meet a fairy, always have a gift for them they are sneaky little things.”

"Oh, no Mama, fairies are the kindest, nicest and prettiest mythical creatures of all! They are always helpful! And we made them a home in the garden! You'll see, they'll help us.” She just knew it.

"I don't know who fairy lore you've been reading but sure it's right." Her mother shakes her head and keeps preparing supper. The girl watches out the window as if the fairies could come out from anywhere.

“Winter is coming Mama, soon the snow fairies will be here soon, I'll need to make sure the fairy house has supplies for the spring fairies." She swings her legs on the stool as she plans.

“Oh and what do the spring fairies need for their winter rest?" She teases as she plates food for the family.

“In the house, pieces of fabric for extra blankets, a tea light candle would probably last a long time for the fairies and keep them plenty toasty, and they're magical so they won't need a match to light it. Oh! And can you buy the fairy food again this year and we can sprinkle it near the fairy house again?” The little girl ran to the table.

"Of course, darlin'. I'll add it to the grocery list." Her mother kissed the top of her head, a smile hidden from her daughter's gaze.

As the weather got colder, the little girl collected small scraps of fabric and found a small tea-light candle in the junk drawer. Soon the little fairy house was ready for the snow. Together she and her mother make a fairy feeder. And she was happy to see that every morning more of the feed was gone, “See Mama, the fairies know we are helping them!"

“You might be onto something, darlin’." Her mother smiled, and if the girl were paying attention, she would notice a secret hiding in her mother's eyes.

Then one night, as the first heavy snow fell, the little girl’s mother woke her, “Come quick!" They raced to the kitchen window that overlooked the garden, "Look!”

She points to the garden where the garden, the little house stood, “Mama! The candle! They lit the candle! We have spring fairies taking their winter rest in our garden!” She shook with excitement!

"And the winter fairies are putting on a show before the spring fairies take their rest. Would you like to stay up a little bit and have some hot chocolate and watch the snow fairies dance?" Her mother strokes her hair.

“Can we make a little bit of popcorn too?" She looks at her mother with eyes full of wonder.

"Of course darlin'." The two sat and enjoyed their late-night treat and show.

Over the winter the little girl found gifts in her boots, mittens, inside a coat pocket and sometimes under her pillow. Sometimes it was small pocket change or small candies, and little drawings of flowers to remind her of spring. “Mama look! Another gift!”

"I guess the winter fairies wanted to thank you for taking good care of their spring friends. And for the help you are to them." She poked the girl's nose causing her to giggle.

"I hope the spring fairies are staying warm under the snow." The little girl looked out over the garden where the little house was hidden under the deep snow.

“I'm sure they are safe and warm, blissfully sleeping through winter. I kinda wish I could join them!" Her mother laughed as she and her daughter bundled up for another day in the cold.

“I bet the kid fairies get bored sleeping all winter! Maybe that's why we have some really nice days in the winter!” The little girl spoke like she had all the answers.

“You just might be onto something there darlin." Her mom took her hand and together they looked for winter fairies hiding in the snow and frost.

For a few more years the little girl believed in fairies and the magic they gave the world. But as all little girls do, she grew up, and soon stopped looking for fairies because she knew the real magic came from a mother who cared an awful lot."

Ellie softly closed the book and glanced at her Granny who stared at her, “That was a lovely little story dear. Where did you find it?"

Ellie smiled, “I brought it from home, it's one of my very favourite books, it's a collection of stories from my very favourite author.”

"And who might that be dear?” Her Granny slowly sat, reaching for her granddaughter's hand.

"Victoria Ellie James.” Ellie smiled softly.

"That's my name, isn't it?” Her Granny looked at her, and Ellie nodded, "I wrote that?” She pointed to the book.

Ellie nods again, “And so much more, I have a whole shelf of your books."

"I can hardly hold a pen and sign my name anymore, and you're telling me I used to write stories? And I've forgotten them?" Granny shook her head, "Well, I suppose if I can rediscover them with you, it's not so bad.” She pats Ellie's hand. “Did I write this story for you?"

Ellie loved reminding her of this story, “For me and mom, you wrote it for my first Mother's day, to remind mom and me about the power of a mother's magic.”

She closed her eyes and nodded, as if she was remembering the moment, "You will keep reintroducing me to the worlds I used to create, won't you?”

Ellie squeezed her hand, “Always."