Continued, Carnival Fantástico
Dovie. What were your parents like before…well…you know…before you came here?
They were only ever kind if they needed something of me.
One time, they wanted to steal jewels from a nobleman’s caravan.
I was so scared because I would have had to hold on to the axle under the carriage for an entire mile before I could slip inside.
But my parents promised me they’d take me to the boardwalk if I was a good girl, so I did it.
I think they forgot that promise, though.
How old were you?
Six.
I’m sorry.
I’ve never been to the boardwalk either. Maybe we could go together someday.
I’d like that.
I know what my father would say about your past. “Hardship was created to build character.”
I can hear his voice now in my head. I shiver at the mere thought.
What was your mother like?
She was magic. She used to sit with me and tell me all sorts of stories until I fell asleep.
What were they about?
All kinds of things. Adventure. Love. Gods. Monsters. You name it. I was little but I could take it.
Can you tell me one of her stories?
I’ll just mess it up. I can hardly remember them anymore.
Try anyway. Even if you get it wrong, I’m sure she’d be happy knowing you’re still thinking of her. I know I’d want my loved ones to think of me when I’m gone.
And who knows, maybe there was some sort of lesson she wished you to learn—and share.