Ella's Fairytale (Chapter 3)

Chapter 31

The Neighbours2

In the afternoon, Ella asked her mother if she could go out to play.3

    “It’s boring in here,” she said. “I won’t go far.”4

    Her mother smiled and said yes.5

    When Ella went outside, a cool breeze was blowing. It was not too hot. The air smelt fresh. Even if she could not see, Ella could hear and smell. But I still miss the colours and shapes, thought Ella. She suddenly felt sad.6

    She went to the farm her grandmother mentioned. The farmer and his wife were warm and friendly.7

    “Did you know the boy who disappeared in the River Forest?” Ella asked over tea.8

    The farmer became uncomfortable. “It was some time ago.” That was all Ella could get out of him. He wouldn’t say anything else. Ella was even more curious. Were there really fairies?9

    On the way back, she tripped over a rock and fell. Ella got up unhurt and dusted herself off. She was doing this when she heard a voice.10

    “Are you alright?”11

    Ella jumped. She was shocked. “Who’s that?” she asked, forgetting her manners. “Where are you?”12

    Nobody answered for a while. Ella began to think it was just her imagination. There’s no one there, she thought. But then the voice said, “My name is Talon. I’m in front of you.”13

    Ella reached forward. She pulled her hand back when she touched a face. “Thank you for asking about me. I’m fine. My name is Ella Ackerley.” She said. She held out her hand.14

    Talon shook her hand. “You’re blind, aren’t you?” He asked. He sounded quite young, but older than Ella.15

    Ella was embarrassed. She was also angry. “So what if I am?” she asked. Being blind was not a bad thing.16

    “Nothing,” said Talon. He sounded sad. “I mean, it doesn’t matter to me.”17

    Ella could tell he was a sad person. She did not know why he was sad though. She wanted to help him. Ella felt she understood him. So she smiled and said, “It’s okay. Why don’t you show me around? I’m new here. I stay with my grandma up the hill.”18

    “Okay,” Talon said. Ella thought he sounded happier already. She was glad as well. She had made a new friend.19