Prologue: “Family” Aurelia was just a toddler when she noticed trees. She noticed their leaves, their colors & their wood. She noticed the way they swayed in the basking sun, only to stop at the tip of nighttime. Sometimes, she noticed, they would sway all day. Now, as this story unfolds, Aurelia is 12 years old. She has long wavy blonde hair, blue eyes & wore little dresses or skirts. Her parents are not around much, as they work all the time, taking trips together and only sending a postcard once a month or at every location they visit. Aurelia's last one said this: “Dearest Aurelia, I know we have been gone for a while. We shall be back soon. I hope Butler & Nanny are taking care of you. We love you. -Your Parents P.S We are in Europe!” Aurelia liked what her parents thought of her, but she barely knew them. Butler and Nanny would tell stories about her parents' greatness, courage and how wealthy they were. Sometimes, at night, Aurelia would feel a great flood of sadness wash over her. When this happened, she would open up her window, still in her slippers and nightgown and climb into a tree. She loved this tree. She even started making a secret treehouse. She opened a small metal box and pulled out a stack of envelopes and pictures. They were pictures of the adventures Aurelia and her parents had gone on together. As a family. The next day, Butler & Nanny were whirring around the kitchen, making Aurelia’s favorite, pancakes with syrup and berries. They only made this on special occasions (like her birthday) or something bad (like when her cat Barney died.) So when Aurelia came out to smell the delightful smell she was curious, good news or bad? “Good morning Madame.” Butler said. Even though he seemed like a stiff guy, he loved Aurelia. She would always make him smile and they both had a great passion for books. “Good morning little one,” Nanny said in her calm voice. Nanny was like how you imagine a grandma in storybooks. Gray hair, a little pink dress with flowers embroidered on it, big glasses and that heartwarming smile that whenever you have a bad day makes you feel better immediately (she also made good cookies). “I hope you slept some good dreams. Jeffery and I would like to discuss something with you after breakfast.” Uh oh. Aurelia thought. Bad news. The entire time Aurelia was eating, Butler & Nanny were making faces at each other. Bad ones. Next:
⁽ᴾⁱᶜᵗᵘʳᵉ ᶠʳᵒᵐ ᵍᵒᵒᵍˡᵉ!⁾ Please do not steal or take my story or characters. Fan art is appriciated.
