“Grandpa, we are going to the magic show tomorrow, aren’t we?” exclaimed Drake.
Grandpa looked at the earnestness in the eyes of his 8-year-old grandson. He didn’t have the heart to say no, but he had no means to say yes either.
“Get ready tomorrow,” he said nonetheless.
The next day an excited Drake was sauntering down the alley next to his grandpa.
“But Dada! The Magic Show is on the other side!”
“We are taking a shortcut son.”
They veered into a small trail that led to the Botanical Garden. As they advanced further, the air became crisp and the cheerful chirp of birds and a relaxing flow of water from the fountain replaced the sound of racing cars and impatient horns.
“Come, I will show you something. Here touch these leaves!”
Drake touched them and stared in wonder as they instantly closed.
“Dada, are they enchanted?”
Grandpa went a few steps farther and then signaled Drake to come closer.
“Come here, you can’t miss this!” he whispered.
He pointed to a hard, translucent shell-like thing hanging from a twig. Drake watched in awe as it suddenly cracked open and a multicolored wing sprung out. Slowly another wing appeared till a butterfly gracefully flew out.
“This is fascinating!” he uttered, following the butterfly as it happily flapped its wings and flew towards the flamboyant tree. He caught sight of something else floating along, a soap bubble reflecting all the rainbow colours. And more came along bejeweling the garden! He longed to touch them, but they kept gliding higher. Finally he could reach one bubble with his finger and to his amazement instead of popping, it delicately enveloped his hand. The bubble grew bigger and bigger until it engulfed Drake entirely and rose high in the sky for a whimsical ride.
Drake stirred in his sleep, and his grandfather patted his forehead. Tired of running after the bubbles around the garden, he had settled on his grandfather’s lap and instantly dozed off.
“It was magical,” he mumbled in his sleep and Grandpa smiled.
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Katy Bizi
Katy Bizi(@katy-bizi)
2 years ago

This is such a sweet story with so many beautifully detailed scenes. An amazing job!

Fuji
Fuji(@fuji)
2 years ago

What a great story, Leena. I too have watched in awe as a shell-like thing “suddenly cracked open and a multicolored wing sprung out.” Nature really does give us the most incredible magic shows of all! You’ve used each word with expertise to create a poetic, wondrous atmosphere. Thanks for a most entertaining read!

musing mind
musing mind(@musing-mind)
2 years ago

This was real life experience for Drake. Very skillfully described.

Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
2 years ago

Lovely story, Leena. There really is nothing more magical than nature. I actually have a butterfly pupa in my kitchen at the moment, waiting for the butterfly to emerge before being released into the world. A engaging and enjoyable read.

Fuji
Fuji(@fuji)
Reply to  Carrie OLeary
2 years ago

Wow, Carrie – you’ll have to take some pictures of the butterfly emerging and then write a story about it! How exciting. Thanks again to Leena for reminding us of the magic found in nature.

Katy Bizi
Katy Bizi(@katy-bizi)
Reply to  Fuji
2 years ago

That is a wonderful idea! An idea fitting for such a great story!

Chris
Chris(@chris)
2 years ago

Nice writing Leena – Your story brought back my own fond memories. Years ago, my Grandpa taught me about many of the various leaves and trees in our neighboring forest. I remember so vividly how he could distinguish and name each leaf and tree instantly. Now he is resting in Heaven, but for me, those magical memories still remain within. In our modern world, amid the chaos of constantly “racing cars and… Read more »

Susan Dawson
Susan Dawson(@susan-dawson)
2 years ago

Good interpretation of the theme, Leena. This was the prompt before the ones when I started having a go myself, and I couldn’t think of anything. Now I am more used to coming up with my strange takes on just about anything. Well done.

sanika chatterjee
sanika chatterjee(@sanika-chatterjee)
2 years ago

Magical!! Clever old grandfather……
Nature is magical and enchanting for sure:)
Well done, Leena!

Sandra James
Sandra James(@sandra-james)
2 years ago

A beautiful story, Leena! You described it with such reality, that I was leaning forward as I read to try and catch a glimpse of the butterfly, too! Very well done 🙂

Eric Radcliffe
Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
2 years ago

Well Leena, I have just read all the comments that your story stirred. Enjoy the enjoyment that you have created for every reader. I too enjoyed the twist in your story!

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
2 years ago

Wow! Leena. I love those beautiful scenes that I imagine while reading this story. You bring me in a few steps to this beautiful botanical garden.

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