Inside a hollowed out tree lived two tiny fairies, a mother and her child. The mother was very cautious and protective of her child, rarely ever letting him go out, as her husband had been caught and eaten by a wild animal a few years prior. Her child though was very adventurous and a curious soul.
The child flew downstairs in a rush.
“Good morning, mama!” he said.
The mother turned from her cleaning and smiled. “Good morning Barii, my sweet boy!” She flew herself over to him and kissed the top of his head.
Barii looked out the entrance of their home (a hole in the tree). “Mama,” he said, “can I go outside today?”
His mother looked over to him with concern. “What for, my child?”
“I wanna go explore that pond down the road,” he said, “please mama, I’ll be extra careful.”
She knelt down and placed her hands on her son’s shoulders. “My child, it is dangerous out there. There are birds and fish alone there that could eat you up. And who knows who might be out there and if they would even be friendly?”
“But mama, what if there are sweet berries that I can gather?”
The mother fairy sighed. “My child, I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to you.”
“But mama,” the boy begged, “I promise to be extra careful and check my surroundings.”
“Barii, it is too dangerous.”
“Mama, please? I know you miss daddy, but he was very adventurous. I wanna be like him too. I promise I will be extra extra careful.”
The mother fairy looked down and sighed. “Barii… just… don’t stay out too long.”
Barii smiled and flew around in happiness. He hugged his mother and giggled.
“I love you my child,” his mother said.
“I love you too mama,” he replied.
With that, the young fairy flew out. The mother flew herself to the entrance and watched her son fly off. She shed a single tear, hoping the best for his return.
As Barii flew through the trees, the young fairy boy came across many sights. Soon, he reached the pond’s edge. He sat on a tree branch and observed his surroundings. Not far from him, he saw something curious.