Chapter 6.

As Annabella shut the door to her home, Mother shouted from her sickly bed, “Annabella, what is this?” She held up the gold coins to Annabella’s face. It was the money that Abe had given her. “These coins are not from our side of the world. This money is from the devil himself, your father. You have been visiting that beast, haven't you?” Mother was angry.

“No, I haven't,” Annabella said.

“Don't lie to me!... And why are you wearing such a pretty and expensive dress? Did that boy you have a heart for give it to you?”

“No, he's just a friend.”

“That's what you said yesterday, and I still haven't met him. From now on, for your safety and for my sanity, you are to never leave this house again unless accompanied by me.”

“...but, Mother,” Annabella said as she cried and hugged her coughing mother.”

“No! This world is not as sweet as people like you and me would want it to be. You are to never see your father, if you have been seeing him, and you are to never see that boy again, even if he is just a friend.”

Mother coughed and limped her way out of bed, and headed towards the front. She bolted the door shut, taped it, hammered it with wood and screws, and placed a heavy dresser in front of it. "No more wandering," Mother said as she laid back in bed.

“Can I atleast continue to go outside and play with my friends?”

“...Not if I'm not around. I don't trust your father. I don't trust that boy, but I hope I can trust you.”

Annabella frowned, and stormed to her bed. She cried herself to sleep.

. . . . .

Once the morning had came, Annabella prepared breakfast for her and Mother. Together, they ate bowls of vegetable soup and buttery bread. After finishing their meals, Annabella cleaned up the kitchen and tucked her coughing mother into bed. Annabella went to her bed, laid down, and daydreamed her usually fantasies of living a wonderful and beyond spectacular life. This time, the daydreams was even more vivid. She could see, smell, hear, touch, and feel everything going on in her head. It felt real, and felt so right. In her daydream, her and Mother had been crowned royal, their rightful place. They ensured that fair and even proportions of fine delicacies, gold coins, and delicious foods were distributed to everyone of the land. Everyone had smiles on their faces, as the galloped in excitement and spoke chants of joy. It was so beautiful!

Once evening came, Annabella jumped from her bed, and left the daydream. Determined to not give up, on seeing her father and getting a better life for her and mother, Annabella rushed to the kitchen to prepare lunch for her Mother. Together, they enjoyed their noodle soup and crackers. After finishing their meals, Annabella cleaned up the kitchen and tucked her coughing mother into bed. Annabella read Mother a fairytale story, “Esperanza: It's A Party Under the Sea,” a classic Gordon Fairytale and one of their favorite stories. Annabella was sure Mother would snooze once the story had finished being read…and she was right. Once Annabella was done reading, Mother's head tilted and she snored.

Annabella tiptoed and rushed out the backdoor. Reluctantly, Mother forgot to bolt, tape, and hammer up the back door. Annabella walked through town, until she reached the entrance of the Mongrol Forest. Abe was silently standing there, gazing at the sun and admiring the clouds. Today was a beautiful day. He turned around, and smiled at Annabella. He said, “I didn't know if you would come back or not, but I am so glad you decided to return.”

“Why,” Annabella replied.

“I deeply enjoy your company,” Abe replied.

Annabella and Abe walked to his tree house, and entered inside. “Would you like a fine and delicious meal to eat? I can cook you something... your favorite,” he said”

“No,” Annabella replied.

“I have a chest full of sparkling gold coins. I'm sure your pocked would love to jingle, around the market”

“No.”

“I have an enchanted closet full of beautiful ballgowns. You can choose any color you'd like, or just wear them all. They will all look beautiful next to your youthful radiant skin, deep brown eyes, and tightly textured hair.”

“No,” Annabella spoke in a serious tone. “This is my third time visiting you. I am done with this lovey-dovey skit. Unless you falsely make promises, then I demand you show me the way to King Henry, my father!”

“Is there anything else that you would like?”

“NO! Show me to my father, right now!... Immediately. I'm demanding you!”

Abe chuckled. “That's not how it works… I have given you everything you have daydreamed about… flamboyant coins, luxurious meals, and lavish gowns.”

Annabella replied, “but there is one wish that you did not give me, the chance to see my father!”

“I can give you more on your wishlist, but why must I give you that beast!... The least you could do is stop asking about some fool that doesn't even love you, let alone even care about you. HIS HEART IS EMPTY!”

Abe starred into Annabella's sparkling eyes, caressed her soft hands, and kissed her puffy cheeks. He responded with a gentle voice, “I am here to make sure that you are safe, but I am not here to do any work that you must do for yourself in this lifetime. Once we past the Mongrol Forest and enter onto the King's turf, I'm not sure if I alone can keep you safe from everything you may see or experience. Just like you wished and dreamed up all of those lavish gifts, you dreamed of me. I am only here to be a part of your happy days, not the sad ones, not the confusing ones, and definitely not the scary ones.”

Annabella became stiff, as she thought through everything Abe had said. Abe gave her a big and loving hug.