“What do you want to talk about, mom?” I asked, a tad nervous, twiddling my fingers without even realizing it.
Fae Aurora stayed quiet, then her face lit up with a wide smile. “My dear, I’m sure you’re curious about why I can’t train you, aren’t you?”
My heart raced, a sudden surge of nerves washed over me, like a toxic mushroom cloud fogging up my thoughts. I nervously bit my lower lip and shrugged it off.

“Let me explain, my dear Barbara,” Fae Aurora went on.
I was a bundle of nerves, half-expecting Fae Aurora to come clean and admit she had lost the Elixir.
“My dear, I’m truly sorry that I can’t be a part of your life anymore, but I promise you, choosing Dwarf Altairs is the best decision. He’s the perfect mentor to guide you in mastering magic and gaining control over your unique abilities,” Fae Aurora said, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she struggled to meet my steady gaze.
“Why, Mom?” I gazed directly into her eyes, searching for truth. “Why can’t you be the one to teach me? Why must it be Dwarf Altairs? Mom, please, if there’s something you’re hiding, just tell me.”
Fae Aurora remained silent, utterly still. I could tell she was on the brink of tears her eyes, already red, hinted at the flood she was fighting to hold back. Yet, she restrained herself, shifting her gaze away from me, a silent testament to her struggle.
“Stretch your hands out, Barbara, and really feel every sensation coursing through your veins,” Fae Aurora whispered. “Can you sense the strength that lies within them?”

I nodded hesitantly, then closed my eyes and tried to focus more on the feelings in both of my hands. It turned out to be true, I could feel an energy flowing through my hands, as if my blood was heated by fire. I was surprised and opened my eyes, which widened even further when I saw a golden light swirling around both of my palms.
“Look at that, that is the magic you possess.”Fae Aurora’s smile widened as she went on, “Yet, my dear, your magic remains unfinished. You must nurture and refine it under Dwarf Altairs’ guidance. He alone can unlock the full prowess of your abilities.”
I was silent, staring at the fading golden light in my hands. I couldn’t say anything, but I felt so guilty because Fae Aurora was willing to lose her Elixir and continuously lied to me. She had been protecting me, perhaps from the moment I was born. Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes as Fae Aurora gently wrapped her arms around me.
“My dear, I know this isn’t easy for both of us. But please trust me when I say that Dwarf Altairs is the only one who can help you reach your full potential and protect you from those who seek to exploit your powers,” Fae Aurora said, her voice breaking slightly.

I hugged her back tightly, finally understanding the sacrifices she had made for me and how much she truly loved me. I couldn’t imagine what it must have been like for her to hide the truth from me all these years, but I knew that she did it out of love and protection.
“Mom, I’ll do everything in my power to keep us together. I want to be by your side forever, no matter what.”
“Hey, come on, stop crying. Listen, Timothee wanted you to have a bowl of ice cream at the dining table. Dave has prepared it for you, sweetheart. Go there before it really melts.” Fae Aurora released my embrace and then smiled immediately.
I wiped my tears and nodded. I realized, Fae Aurora did that because she was really afraid I would find out everything.
“My love, eat a lot so you can focus on training later.” Fae Aurora stroked my hair gently.
I dashed out of the room and made my way to the dining area, where I found Sawyer and Asher, their eyes wide with wonder at the butterflies they had managed to catch.
Yet, they were already in pieces.
“What’s going on here?” I exclaimed, caught off guard.
“We’re attempting to piece together a pattern like this one,” Asher responded, holding up a piece of paper that bore a meticulously drawn butterfly.
Peering closer, I noticed the damage.
“It’s been slightly damaged,” I observed. “But it’s still beautiful.”
“What’s going on with grandma inside, Mom?” Asher inquired, his eyes lifting to meet mine with a mix of curiosity and concern.
“It’s complicated, kids,” I sighed. “Grandma has a condition isn’t good at remembering things, but we have to keep her happy and engaged.”
Asher’s face fell.
“But it’s not fair,” he protested. “Why does she have to suffer like this?”
I ruffled his hair affectionately. “Life isn’t always fair, my dear,” I said gently. “But we can make the best of what we have
“But why are we doing this?” Sawyer asked, gesturing towards the butterfly pieces.
“It means she has trouble remembering things,” I explained. “Sometimes she forgets who we are or where she is.”
“That must be scary for her,” Asher remarked with a frown.
“Yes, it can be,” I agreed. “But we’re doing our best to help her and make her feel loved.”
Sawyer’s eyes widened with understanding. “So by putting these pieces together, we’re helping grandma remember the beautiful things in life?”
“Yes, exactly,” I affirmed, smiling at Sawyer. “By creating these beautiful butterflies, we’re not only engaging her in a meaningful activity but also helping her hold on to the cherished memories she might otherwise forget.”
Sawyer nodded thoughtfully, and Asher reached for another paper butterfly piece, his determination shining through.
“I want to make the best one for Grandma,” he declared.
“Just pray for her, okay?” “I want to make the best one for Grandma,” he declared.
“Just pray for her, okay?” I asked shaking their head.
They replied, “Sure, I’ll pray for her and make the best soup for Grandma.”
Not long after, someone opened the door, “Honey, have you prepared everything?”