B&HB: Keep pressing Father
From Create Your Own Story
"Papa! Tell me this instant what's wrong!" you cry out.
Father quiets, and his eyes travel to the floor. It's painful to look at him. "You..." he says, "wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Try me." you firmly say as you cross your arms.
"After discovering that my business was ruined, I packed up my things and left for home. So lost in my grief, though, I didn't pay attention to where I was going, and lost my way. That was until I came across... a castle."
"A castle?" you repeat, not sure what's so special about that.
"Yes. The gate opened as I approached, as if to invite me in. So I did. Inside was dark, but as soon as I entered the lights on the walls lit up. These lights led me to a dinning hall, where a massive feast was waiting for me. As I approached, the chair slid out from the table on its own. I was hesitant, as I naturally thought this couldn't be for me. That was until I heard a deep voice say, Sit, and enjoy yourself."
"Who was it, Papa?" you ask, captivated by his story.
"I cannot say. He wouldn't give me his name. He asked me all sorts of questions. Who I was, where I came from, and if I had any family. I don't know why, but I told him everything. It was like I could bear my soul to him without fear of him judging me. He said he enjoyed my company, and offered me to spend the night. It was already late, so how could I refuse?"
"Then what?"
Father clears his throat, and tells you, "The next morning I was allowed to go on my way. He even left me some money for my travels. But as I... was leaving, I noticed his garden. The most beautiful flowers I had ever seen. I couldn't help but wander through it. That was when I saw it. A bed of what you had asked of me. I promised I wouldn't return without it, and plucked the most beautiful of them all. But that was when he appeared again, and this time was not pleased. He told me, I gave you food, I gave you a place to rest, I gave you wealth, yet this was all not enough for you? You have stolen from me, a debt to be payed for with your life."
"Your life?!" your cry, "Just for plucking a simple rose?"
"I'm afraid so, Belle. He allowed me to return to you for today. But tomorrow, I must return to that castle. Otherwise a curse will be placed upon our family, and I cannot bear to see you or your sisters suffer."
"Papa..." you quietly say as tears fall down your face.
