Vision

Suddenly, a vision floods my mind—a younger version of Mrs. Maybe standing with my nana. They’re talking with someone who looks almost exactly like me, except her hair and eyes are a stunning shade of pink.

That must be my mother.

She’s breathtakingly beautiful, though tears streak her face as she cradles a baby in her arms. Me.

A tall man stands behind her, his presence radiating warmth and love. My father. He’s crying too. I watch as he wraps his strong arms around my mother and me, pulling us into an embrace full of love and protection.

I can feel their warmth, their love—it’s so real, so overwhelming. Tears well up in my eyes, and I let them fall, but I don’t dare blink. I don’t want this moment to end. My entire life, I’ve longed for a connection like this with my parents, and here they are, whispering over and over how much they love me.

With trembling hands, I watch my mother pass me to my nana. Her voice cracks as she begs both my nana and Mrs. Maybe to take care of me. Then, with one last tearful hug with my father, she vanishes, taking my father with her.

The emptiness that rushes in as they disappear is like a hole being ripped open in my chest. I break down, sobbing harder than I ever have before. The tears won’t stop, and I realize I’m no longer in the vision.

I’m back in Mrs. Maybe’s office.

She pulls me into her arms, hugging me tightly. And I let her. I cling to her, crying into her shoulder, grateful for the comfort she offers. We hold each other for what feels like hours, until finally, she gently pulls away.

“Sit down, dear,” she says softly. “Would you like a drink?”

I nod, still sniffling, and wipe my face with the tissue she hands me. As I settle into the chair, she pours tea from a teapot. I don’t even remember her boiling the water, but it’s fresh, hot, and smells delicious. The warmth of it is soothing as I take a sip, letting it calm my shaken nerves.

Mrs. Maybe watches me carefully before speaking again. “Your nana and I have both been servants of the royal fairy family,” she explains. “Your mother handpicked us to watch over you until you turned eighteen.”

I blink, absorbing her words. Servants of the royal fairy family? My mother chose them to protect me? It all begins to make sense, but my head is spinning.

“Your mother wanted you to live a normal life until you blossomed into your true form,” Mrs. Maybe continues. “For the past six months, your nana has been searching for information to help guide your transformation. She will return tonight.”

My heart leaps at the news. Nana is coming back tonight! I haven’t seen her in so long. Excitement bubbles up inside me, easing the ache left by the vision. I can’t wait to see her!

And Mrs. Maybe—a fairy? I can hardly believe it, but as I think about it, it all starts to click into place. She’s always been there for me, especially when my nana was away. She’s the one who helped me get the job at the diner, and she’s the reason I was allowed to stay in the library for so long.

Everything is finally making sense.

As I glance down at my arm, I notice a new symbol glowing faintly beside the others. My curiosity piques, and I look up at Mrs. Maybe. “Do you know what these symbols mean?” I ask, showing her my arm.