Tell Me A Fable - Golden Shards

Kati Nescher for Harper's Bazaar UK

"I don't understand why it has to hurt like this," she whispered to herself, straining to catch a glimpse of the cuts on her back through the water's reflection. Shards of golden glass had pierced through her skin from within. Her mother, tending to her with tenderness, offered solace, assuring her that the pain would eventually yield something worthwhile. But deep down, she couldn't help but feel as though the gods were punishing her. How could something so agonizing lead to any goodness? Anger surged through her as she snatched her knapsack and stormed off, leaving behind a trail of glistening gold dust. Still, a part of her acknowledged the truth in her parents' words. She had always admired their enchanting presence as they journeyed through the realm of dreams.

That night, nestled amidst a meadow of flowers, she gazed at the playful fireflies dancing in the nocturnal sky, yearning for the freedom they embodied. Months passed, and though tears still stained her cheeks each night, she woke with hope in her heart, determined that today would be better. "I won't let this pain control my life," she declared, mustering her strength to confront the piercing glass that haunted her nights. Drawing courage from within, she plucked red berries from nearby bushes and painted her cheeks and cupid's bow, infusing her face with vibrant hues.

Time marched on, and the torment that had once consumed her became her everyday existence. Yet, on a fateful day, as she ambled past a cascading waterfall, a newfound determination sparked within her. She made a daring choice, shedding her gown and immersing her weary body in the serene embrace of the water, seeking solace. Seeking further respite, she found refuge upon an amethyst rock, draping her naked form upon it, yearning for healing and renewal. As slumber overtook her, a woodland creature emerged from the forest, in search of sustenance.

A snapped branch abruptly startled our sleeping friend, jolting her awake in trepidation. Anxieties surged, fearing that her scars would be exposed for others to witness and pass judgment upon. "I apologise sincerely for startling you," the tiny woodland creature stammered, its own fear evident in its voice. "No need for apologies," she replied, chastising herself. "I shouldn't have allowed myself to fall asleep." She hastily grabbed a nearby leaf, using it to shield her fragile form. But as she turned to find something more suitable to cover herself, she noticed the creature's eyes widen with awe at the sight of her wounds. In that moment, as she prepared to introduce herself, she caught a glimpse of its admiring expression, realising her mistake.

Overwhelmed with embarrassment, she snapped at the creature, "You know it's rude to stare!" Unfazed by her embarrassment, the woodland creature responded with unwavering sincerity, "But you are extraordinary, in your own unique way." Confusion washed over her, struggling to grasp how anything remarkable could be associated with the once agonizing shards that had pierced her skin. "How can you find anything extraordinary in my hideous back?" she retorted, her voice still tinged with embarrassment. "The golden wings!" the woodland creature exclaimed, looking perplexed. "Aren't you a fairy, my queen?" he asked, bowing in reverence to the magnificence standing before him. She stood frozen in astonishment, the creature's words echoing in her ears. Golden wings? Fairy queen? She couldn't comprehend the meaning behind them. Her heart fluttered with a mix of confusion and curiosity. Tentatively, she turned her gaze toward her back, and to her amazement, she beheld a pair of shimmering, delicate wings sprouting from her being, radiating a soft golden glow. It was as if a hidden part of herself had finally unveiled its true form.

A wave of realisation washed over her, filling her with a newfound sense of identity. She had always felt different, but now it seemed that her uniqueness had taken a remarkable and magical turn. Overwhelmed by the creature's reverence, she hesitated for a moment before responding, "I... I never knew. But if that is what you see, then perhaps... perhaps I am more than I ever imagined." With a mix of uncertainty and burgeoning confidence, she stepped forward, gently touching the creature's head. "Rise, my friend. I may not be a queen, but I am ready to embrace this extraordinary journey, wherever it may lead."

As she stood there, mesmerised by her newfound wings and the creature's admiration, a profound understanding washed over her. She realised that her mother's words, once cryptic and perplexing, now held profound meaning. The pain she had endured, the trials she had faced—they had all been stepping stones on her path to discovering her true self. With each beat of her wings, she embraced her uniqueness, transcending the limitations of her past. The scars that once seemed hideous now symbolised resilience and transformation. Through her own journey of self-acceptance, she had become an embodiment of courage and beauty. In this moment of revelation, the morals of the story crystallised within her heart. She understood the importance of embracing one's uniqueness, of finding strength in the face of adversity, and of accepting and loving oneself fully. She recognised that pain and struggle could be catalysts for growth and that what may initially appear as a curse could unfold into a remarkable gift. With newfound confidence, she spread her wings and took flight, her golden wings carrying her toward a future filled with possibility.

As she soared through the sky, she felt the warmth of her mother's love and guidance, knowing that her journey was her own. She had seen the extraordinary within herself, long before others had recognised it. And so, our once tormented friend had transformed into a beacon of light and inspiration, embracing her role not as a fairy queen but as a queen of her own destiny. With each graceful movement, she spread hope and touched the hearts of those who witnessed her flight. Through her story, she taught others the power of self-acceptance, resilience, and the beauty that lies within every individual. And as she embarked on her extraordinary journey, she carried with her the lessons learned, the scars that told her story, and the unwavering belief that pain could indeed lead to something remarkable. For she had become a living testament to the power of embracing one's true self and finding the extraordinary within.