Reply to comment

Once upon a time there was a little girl who liked to read. No siblings to bother and a bedroom like an isolated planet. She would arrange her stuffed animals in order of ranking. Everyday the ranking would change in order to be fair. Sometimes Tridium the Cat would be feeling a little sad, so he got an extra hug and a kiss. Black Bear, Raddy, Christie, Tigger, Tridium and Spot would line up next to her in anticipation of a story. They would wonder to themselves is who was it going to be today? Dr. Seuss? Shel Silverstein? Grimm's? They were always excited to see what she picked out, even if it was a repeat.

She loved the stories: the excitement of a character striving to reach their achievement, a princess finding her true love, and good conquering over evil. Although bad things happened to the truest of characters, she knew it would end up all right. When the Goose Girl's horse was murdered, its head was nailed to the door and was able to talk her through her troubles. When an evil stepmother made her do chores, the animals would help her. See! It helped out to be good, true and loyal!

Even when she got home from school, or was captured in her own little world, there were lessons to be learned. No matter what tale was told, a common theme would arise: good vs. evil. At least it did in her mind.

Maybe the stories were to keep her occupied. Or they could have been excuses to imagine a more magical life. And there's a chance the stories were guides, like elaborate treasure maps, to direct her path. Take a right at the tower and take 143 paces north. Watch out, Evil Fairy ahead!