#fofoflash: The Fairy Tree

My contribution to this week’s #fotoflash challenge:

“I see it, I see it!” Her blond curls bouncing, six year old Eugenia tugged her younger brother along with her.

Not one to be tugged, he wrenched his hand from hers and planted his feet. “No! Not going. Tired.” He plopped down into the leaf strewn path and refused to go any further.

“But I can see it from here. Can’t you? Just a few more steps, Reggie. Please?”

He shook his head and crossed his arms. “No. I wanna go home. Now!”

She looked between her destination and her brother, guilt welling up inside her. He hadn’t wanted to sneak out for this adventure, it had all been her idea. They were both supposed to be napping. “How about you stay here where I can see you and I go look. Can you do that?”

Reggie looked up and squinted his eyes. “Guess so. Hurry and we go home.”

“I promise, I’ll hurry. But you have to promise to not move. Just stay right there. Okay?”

He smiled his crooked little smile. “Okay.”

Eugenia took two steps and looked back. Then four and looked back. Six and once again, she looked back. “I guess he’s gonna behave,” she thought and she continued on till she was in front of the strange looking tree. It was unlike any tree she’d ever seen.

Bent, twisted, and bare of any leaves, she reached out to touch it. She felt a shock and jumped back. A whisper reached her ears, “Who are you to come calling on us?”

“Um, I’m Eugenia.” She looked all around the tree but saw no one.

“Why are you here?” the voice asked.

“Well, um, I was told this was a fairy tree.”

“What did you expect to find here?”

She scrunched up her face. “Um, fairies? You know, if this is where they live then maybe I could see them.”

“And if you could see them, then what?”

She thought a bit. “I don’t know. I guess I just wanted to see them.” 

A light flashed and startled her. When she opened her eyes, there were three fairies standing on the lowest twisting branch of the tree. “Oh my! You are so tiny and shiny. Can I touch you?”

“Heavens, no! Who do you think you are?” the tallest one responded.

“I’m sorry. I’ve never seen a fairy before.”

“Well now you have, so go home,” the tall rebuked.

“Away with you,” retorted another.

The third one flew away without saying a word.

The tall one put her hands on her hips and glared at Eugenia. “Well, what are you waiting for?”

“Can I come visit you again?”

A smirk played around the lips of both fairies. “We’ll see.”

Eugenia waved and trudged back towards Reggie kicking leaves as she walked. As she approached the spot where she had left him, there was nothing but a piece of paper. She picked it up and read…

HE BELONGS TO US NOW, YOUR DEBT IS PAID IN FULL