Lily Lulonut

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Mary.

Mary was a sweet girl, always laughing and smiling. No matter the person, place, or situation, she was always smiling.

Mary just turned six years old today and was excitedly awaiting the birthday party her mother was preparing. She had chosen her cutest dress to wear—a rose-covered sundress with pink fabric. Her hair was tied up in pigtails, and by her side was her trusty exploring bag.

You see, Mary loved to explore the woods behind her house. She would spend hours playing, gathering all kinds of fun things and bringing them home. Her mother was not a fan of her adventures, but somehow, she always lost track of Mary.

Today was special. Now that she was six years old, her mother was finally letting her explore the woods without complaint.

As Mary stepped outside and looked toward the trees, the sun shone brightly above, and a cool breeze rustled through the leaves. She had the biggest smile on her face. An adventure awaited her, and afterward, there would be birthday cake and games. Today truly was a special day!

As she happily skipped through the woods, occasionally picking up a pretty rock or a funny-shaped stick, she came upon a small clearing. She had never seen this part of the woods before and curiously made her way into the opening.

Stepping into the sunlight, she saw something in the center of the clearing—a fallen log shaped like an arch, almost like a doorway from a fairy tale. Leaves and vines hanging down from it. Perhaps it was a door, Mary thought.

As she approached the log, a voice echoed from all around her.

“I’d avoid entering that if I were you, little one.”

Mary spun around, trying to find the source of the voice. Then, sitting atop the arch-shaped log, she saw a beautiful girl with wings like a butterfly. Blues and pinks shimmered in the sunlight.

Mary gave the butterfly girl a determined look and proudly exclaimed, “I’m not afraid! I’m the greatest explorer that ever lived!”

The butterfly girl tilted her head. “That portal leads to a magical place full of faeries and adventure. But don’t be fooled—within it also lies pain and anguish. It is not for the faint of heart, little one.”

Mary huffed and frowned at the butterfly girl.

As she contemplated entering the portal, she thought of her mother and how worried she would be if she knew Mary had embarked on such a dangerous adventure. But then, Mary thought about all the adventures she had been on before, and she couldn’t stop smiling at the possibilities of this new place.

She sat down in the grass and thought. And thought some more. You could almost see the steam rising from her little ears. At first, she looked more and more frustrated, but then, suddenly, her face lit up with a smile.

Mary stood up and brushed the grass from her skirt. She took a deep breath and looked up at the butterfly girl. Then, with a triumphant grin, she stuck out her tongue at her and skipped straight into the portal—

Traveling to adventures unknown, with a smile on her face.

By. Lily Lulonut