Ella's Fairytale (Chapter 4)

Chapter 41

Hope2

Everyday after breakfast and after her chores, Ella was able to go out and play. Ella was beginning to like her vacation. She liked the fresh air and the nice smells. She liked hearing the birdcalls. She liked the feel of the grass under her feet. Most of all she liked being with her new friend, Talon.3

“Where do you live?” Ella asked Talon one day. They had just run through the valley, laughing. They were sitting down to rest now. Ella was exhausted, and hot, so she lay back in the soft grass.4

Talon did not seem to want to answer Ella’s question.  He had grown more cheerful as the days had passed. Ella thought it could be that he liked her too. But now he sounded gloomy and lost again. “My family’s house is on the next hill.” He said.5

Ella was curious. “Do you like it there?” She asked.6

“I don’t spend much time there,” Talon said softly. “I spend more time in the Forest.”7

The Forest! Did he mean the River Forest? “Do you mean the River Forest?” asked Ella in horror. “But it’s dangerous!”8

She wished she could see Talon’s face. He said, “I go there a lot. I am not afraid.”9

Talon must be very brave, Ella thought. Well, she could be brave too. “I wish I could go,” she said, “I am not afraid either. But I cannot see, so it is difficult for me.”10

Talon did not ask her to go. Instead, he said, “Do you wish you could see again?”11

Ella felt suddenly like crying. She really wanted to see again. But because her parents were already doing everything they could, Ella had never complained. Now Ella said fiercely, “Yes, I wish I could see again! I would do anything to get my sight back. I don’t want to be blind any more.” She felt upset. “What good is it to live if you can’t see what you live with?” 12

“If I could bring you to a place where you can get your sight back again, would you come?” asked Talon. He did not seem angry that Ella was shouting at him. He did not sound afraid or shy. He only sounded sad.13

Ella felt sorry for him. It was no use trying. No one could help her. She had tried every type of medicine. They never worked. But Ella didn’t want to let down his hopes so she said, “Yes. I would go with you.”14

Then Talon said, “Come with me to the Forest.” Ella started to say something, but Talon interrupted, “I will take care of you. I will be your eyes, and see the way for you. You do not have to be afraid.”15

“I’m not afraid.” Ella said. How dare Talon think she was afraid? “I want to go with you.” she said. And she meant it. She liked Talon. He seemed safe to be with. 16

“Then come to the Forest tomorrow.” Talon said. “Come at ten o’clock. I will find you.”17

Ella agreed. She could sneak out of the house. And she thought she could find her way alone, even if she couldn’t see. 18