Work Text:
Once there existed a small town by the seashores. The town’s name, by the way, was Anasti. It was a simple looking town with simple people abiding in it. Nothing else. The town was of course hit by tropical storms, a blessing of the sea people would say. It was just as wide as a big ship. There lived a child there called Nina. She had black hair and freckles in her face. She loved her town. She always loved the time of Christmas, as her birthday fell on the same time. She still remembers the sweet creamy, delightful red cake of her 4th birthday. Mama made that cake. She also wished her a great birthday. Ah! She loved it!
[Nina woke up early in the morning. She was rubbing her red-looking eyes and yawned. Her head felt empty until mama came. Nina was surprised as mama didn’t come home from her job last night. Papa was talking on the – what was it called again? Phoe? Phea?Poll? Wait….It must be called a Phone!’, Nina Thought to herself.
Papa looked quite worried while talking. Nina thought not to disturb him and play with the ‘Dolly’ mama gifted her. After an hour, Papa hurriedly came to her room. He picked her up by this arms and Nina giggled. But, then, she saw her Papa’s worried and tired face, Nina’s smile faded. She asked,” Why are you worried papa? ”.
At the sudden question of Nina, Papa looked at her and smiled,“ No, No Why would I when my sweetest little joy is in front of me blessing my soul. ”,”Papa, you say things that I don’t understand.” ,”Oh, do I?”, Papa said. Nina giggled at the awkwardness of him.
Suddenly, Nina remembered something. She asked , “Papa, where did mama go?” At this , papa’s face darkened. Nina felt a bit frightened. She saw Papa put on a brave smile and then he said, ”No worries, sweetie. Mama is a bit sick And I will go visit her in the hospital! Meanwhile, you would stay at Gramma’s house! Wouldn’t you love it?”
Nina felt worried, “Is Mama going to be ok, Papa?”. Papa looked unsure, but he said , “No worries. Mama will come home in no time! ”
At this, Nina felt assured. Papa then took her outside ,to the shop. He gave her a candy! Nina felt so happy! Then, they went over to Gramma’s house. After leaving her at Gramma’s care, papa left.
Neither Mama nor papa came back that night.
So, back to her birthday, Nina was surprised to see mama. Mama was still wearing her red sweater from last day. “Silly mama didn’t change her clothes , did she?”, Nina thought to herself.” Mama! I missed you! Are you Ok now?”, Nina asked. Mama smiled warmly,” Of course, my baby. Why wouldn’t I be?” .
Nina was surprised at what mama said, “Looks like someone forgot their birthday, huh? It must not be a certain someone in the name of Nina!” Wait, mama is right ! How could Nina forget her own birthday! Mama then said, ”Happy birthday, sweetie! Guess what surprise I have for you!” Surprise! The birthday was already getting better since mama was back. Whoo-hoo! Mama then held out her hand that had a very red cake. ]
Nina cherished that memory. She told papa about it, but he didn’t believe it. After that day, Nina never saw mama again.
The end
The room was full of claps. There was only one slogan in everyone mouths ‘Good story!’. The English teacher even got surprised by it. He patted Nina’s back and said, “Truly, that was a great story, Nina. I never knew you were such a talented writer!” Nina blushed at the compliment. “No, Professor it was nothing”, ” Whatever you say , Nina ” , The teacher sighed.
Nina went out the classroom only to see a certain smiling woman wearing a red sweater. She smiled back at her and mouthed a word ‘Mama’.
Everyone in the school was wondering who that black-haired, freckled girl was smiling at yesterday.