The Golden Leaf: Part II
Once in the house, Jill’s mother was inside. She stood in the living room, smiling.
“So Jill, did you have fun with Jaime?” Her mother asked her.
Jill nodded. “Yes I did. Her mother picked her up. I don’t understand why she did this when she lives right down the road from us.”
Her mother nodded. “Perhaps her mother was on her way home from shopping.”
Jill felt her stomach rumble. “Is dinner ready yet?”
“Just about. I’ll have it ready in a few minutes, honey.”
After a few minutes, the mother served dinner. The father was home just in time for it.
For dinner, it was generally quiet. Jill didn’t have much to say, since she didn’t want to mention the leaf that she found. She only spoke when she was spoken to. She gave brief answers, as she ate her chicken, rice and green beans.
Finally, Jill was finished with her dinner. “May I be excused?” She asked her. “I am not feeling well, and I’m going to bed early.”
The mother frowned. “You’re not? Rest up then, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
Jill left the table and walked upstairs. She wanted to leave the table, but only so that she could see who this voice was. She could only do this in the privacy of her room.
Once upstairs, Jill took the golden leaf out of her dress and sat it underneath her pillow. She then changed into her pajamas and got ready for bed. She brushed her teeth and drank her glass of water. Jill entered her bedroom. Her fourth grade math book sat on top of her backpack, as a reminder for homework. It was Friday night, so she still had time.
Jill then climbed into bed and got underneath the covers. She lifted up her pillow and held the golden leaf in her hands. Right as she did this, she flashed and she heard the girl’s voice again.
That leaf doesn’t belong here….the voice said, in almost a whisper.
Jill threw her hands up and crossed them. “What do you mean?” She asked. “It’s my leaf. I found it!”
The leaf is not yours….the voice argued. You took the leaf out of the forest, where it belonged. Put it back….
“No!” Jill argued. “The leaf is mine! I am not putting it back!”
Jill was suddenly hit with a strong gust of wind. That golden leaf is my vessel. It doesn’t belong in a place like this. It belongs in the forest….
A sudden shock began to fill Jill. The gust of wind almost knocked her down on her bed. Jill tried to speak, but no words came out. Finally, she said “w-w-who are you?”
A gentle breeze brushed against Jill’s face. I am you….the voice said.
After that, the wind died down. The voice said no more after this.
Jill was relieved that the voice went away. What exactly did the voice mean by what it said? That didn’t matter to Jill right now. Clutching the golden leaf tight in her hands, she held it as she fell fast asleep.
A faint golden glow emanated from Jill as she slept. The glow began to fill the room, until it was covered completely….
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©2012 K. L. Walker