Page 26 of May: Bloom & Bane

“What about Maple?”

Another disappointed groan.

“Oh! I’m so sorry to have offended you,” I giggle.

“Sprig?”

A tiny, thoughtful creak.

“Hmm. You’re a tough one.”

The lights flash in agreement.

I laugh.

“Nook?”

The entire house shudders. A cupboard flies open. A vase topples onto the floor. And the water in the sink turns on full blast.

“Oh!” I chuckle. “You like Nook?”

The ceiling beams creak so enthusiastically that a shower of flower petals drifts down into the bath.

“Nice to meet you, Nook. I’m Eden.”

The pipes hum a cheerful little tune.

Once I’m out of the bath, the house opens a drawer full of different brushes and combs.

“These will work perfectly for my curls,” I murmur. “Thank you, Nook.”

When I’m done brushing my hair, I slip into a soft green dress, similar to Sage’s skin tone. It’s sleeveless, with a braided golden band beneath the bust.

I take a look in the mirror and study my reflection. I feel like I’ve been plucked from a fairy tale and dropped into a body I almost recognize.

* * *

The meadow calls to me.

I follow the winding path behind the house, past clusters of blossoms and sleeping bees, through knee-high grass that sways together as though whispering secrets.

Black-and-white birds chatter to one another in bright, curious songs. One breaks away from the flock and lands delicately on my shoulder.

“Well hello there,” I hum. “You are just beautiful, aren’t you?”

It clicks its beak before hopping onto my fingertip.

“Do you live in the meadow?”

The bird tilts its head.

Then, with surprising determination, it darts into the grass.

“Oh…”

A few moments later, it returns carrying a tiny white blossom. It drops the bloom into my palm with a proud little trill.

“For me?”