The Enchanted Afternoon

A surprising adventure with Mama and Minis

written by Kei and Nyaeli Kucera

A short story about my childhood memories and the remarkable adventures I share now with my daughters Nyaeli and Leila

Big-Little Sister Life

Remember when we were kids and our parents made us play outside? Well, I was always just fine on the living room rug with two needles and a ball of yarn while my little sister wanted to get dirty on her outdoor adventures. "Watch after your sister," meant my knitting needles would have to wait until I returned from outside. I was always reluctant to join an unknown afternoon, since splashes of dumpster diving, swamp swimming, playing house with neighbor kids, and mud pies could be in store for us. I didn't mind the dirt and actually liked discovering hidden adventures.

Now, as a mom of two little girls, I'm often reminded of my childhood adventures. I imagine sharing good old stories with them, but nothing is ever as good as real, personal experience.

The Thief

One chilly afternoon, the girls and I were driving to a local cafe off our beaten path. We stumbled into what looked like a secluded and sleepy wooded area, covered in dead leaves, trees, and fallen logs. "Wow! This could be the sleepy hollows of autumn. You know, the land where magical woodland creatures prepare for a long rest before the first snowfall." I remarked, gazing over mounds of golden leaves and an untouched mossy landscape.

Nyaeli and Leila looked out of their windows, confused, and even more so when I parked the car on a quiet street. "We're here! Let's look for fairies" I said, and with the opportunity of a real life fairy sighting, the girls excitedly hopped out of the car, grabbed their raincoats, and began exploring. "Do you remember when we used to collect leaves in the woods by our house?" I asked Nyaeli, who was busy applying chapstick. "We always discovered something new," she replied with a smile. "And this time, we're in a magical land."

"What's that gross smell?" asked Leila, twitching and covering her nose from a stench. Suddenly, one of the larger leaf covered mounds began to rumble and erupt revealing a moss-covered, 16 feet tall ogre! In one swift move, it effortlessly lifted our car and tucked it inside a nearby cave! The smell, now much stronger, wafted from this enormous creature's mouth as it stretched and yawned "Thank youuuuu for the lovely gift! Goodnight!" then disappeared leaving us in complete shock "The monster took Gypsy, our car! Give it back!" the girls shouted. "How will we get home, Mama?" Nyaeli looked worried but bravely put her arm around Leila. "Don't be afraid. It's going to be alright," she consoled. "Th-th-this is indeed a magical land," I gawked, attempting to process what just went down and lift their spirits. "There must be other magical creatures nearby. We came in search of fairies and now we definitely should find them. They can help us!" 

A Glimmer of Light

Nyaeli looked worried but put on a brave face for her little sister. She folded her arm over Leila hugging her "Its going to be alright baby sister, don't be afraid" consoling herself in the process. I couldn't help remembering how I'd done the same for my little sister Kaira when we were kids as she feared the dark. Just then, a tiny reflection of light danced a circular pattern in the distance. Sitting low, Leila wiped dirt from her hands and called out to it, "Hello! My name is Leila. I'm a friend!" The pea sized glimmering light grew bright green until it burst and just like that, a fairy appeared. Almost as tall as a toddler, we gazed in awe at her tiny, shimmering frame; small hands and pointed features. Most impressive were her luminescent wings. The fairy wore gloves and little slippers to match her slick rain gear. She introduced herself as Caraway Rose while studying us with large, soft eyes, and her sweet smile. Leila explains "Caraway was splashing in puddles when she saw that stinky ogre take our car and she wants to help us."

The Plan

Nyaeli and Leila eagerly listened as Caraway explained how to lure the ogre. The fairy enthusiastically waved two sticks communicating that we need to locate two magical herbs for a treat that ogres love more than anything. She crossed the sticks indicating not to mix the ingredients until we return to the last place we sighted the ogre otherwise we could attract more of them. Nyaeli buried her face in my stomach so Leila wouldn't see her cry. Caraway touched her shoulder and asked what was in her pink purse. Usually Nyaeli carries money, chapstick, and notes from friends but she replied "When mom said we are looking for fairies, I packed my magnifier, some crackers, and a pretty ribbon. The ribbon is a present for you; my first real fairy friend." She wiped away tears, took a breath, paused, and tied the sparkly silver trim to Caraway's braided hair. The little fairy leaped into trees, spinning, and twirling high up then dashed into a tiny glittering size, tickling the girls' as she danced on their noses and spun around to watch as the silver floated behind her "She's so happy" exclaimed Leila. We all laughed and the forest felt alive. Tree tops bent inward toward us. Sun light broke through clouds and rain drops slowed. Time seems to pause as if witnessing mother nature enjoy the sound of my babies' sweet laughter. Nyaeli and Leila look up, eyes and mouths wide with wonder as tiny reflector lights circle the sky between trees; it was simply magical! Caraway joined their dance; showing off her new sparkly accessory. Leaves applauded in the breeze. Wind whistled between branches and fairies sang beautiful tunes. Nature's symphony ushered in a kaleidoscope of winged friends. "They want to help us too" Leila giggles, "and now we have more help. Leila, let's make teams and find the herbs" Nyaeli adds while counting 30 or so new friends zip by.

I marked the ogre's last known spot and created a mixing area nearby. With her magnifier, Nyaeli's team found a bushel of golden mushrooms growing on rocks under a small waterfall. Leila jumped from a tree with a handful of purple plum apples. Fairies added other herbs, mixing the ingredients into an enchanting scent. And just as planned, the sleepy ogre emerged (as if from a mirror of trees), enticed by the aroma, and sniffing deeply, "Mmmaahhh? Smells nice" 

In Conclusion

What followed was a mix of bravery, cleverness, and teamwork, but I'll leave that part to your imagination—because every adventure deserves a little mystery. The jeep started and from my rear view mirror, I could have sworn I saw the ogre shrug its shoulders as we peeled away. Leila cuddled her blankie close and began to doze off. Nyaeli waved goodbye to her friends vowing to visit again.

"When life seems challenging, let light reflections burst as reminders that love is always closest when joy is our guide. Laughter is the key"

With much appreciation

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this short story. I wrote it in a fever of inspiration one night and couldn't wait til Nyaeli returned from school so I could read it to them. The girls both loved it. Nyaeli helped me rewrite the ogre's script and Leila flew around the house in a bumble bee costume. Illustrations soon to come. Stay tuned for our next adventure.