Spring was just around the corner in county Leitrim. Previously barren trees coated in white powder, were quickly growing fresh leaves; a new set to greet the new season with vigor. Piles of snow, and snowmen of all shapes and sizes, were quickly melting off, leaving muddy puddles of grey and brown that sometimes rushed in torrents towards lakes and rivers around the area. It seemed as though winter's retreat was quicker than its assault.

The rolling hills of the small county in the north of Ireland was peeking with new blossoms of wild flowers, ripe for the picking when Spring finally sprung. One such person was excited for the arrival of spring, ten year old Maiylene Cullen of Drumshanbo.

Maiylene was a peculiar child; wild, unruly, brown curls, and equally dark eyes with a knack for looking for the impossible. She was also a shrewd girl with wisdom beyond her years. A shrewdness that not many children, and unfortunately some adults, possessed. Coupled with a wisdom she gleaned from reading books and her gran's teaching.

She had always loved the spring, preferring it to the dreary cold of winter where she was stuck inside the small farmhouse she called home. It resembled more of a cottage really, their little farmhouse. And in her mind, she often imagined that she was in an enchanted forest, her little cottage perched at its heart, surrounded by pixies and unicorns alike.

Her love for spring had stemmed from those musings, wild fantasies of her own making; unicorns grazing in the hillside as the sun gleamed against the pearly sheen of their mane, pixies and other tiny faeries flitting around the unicorns and wild flowers of their shared home as she ran and played among them, and glistening lakes filled with playful mermaids with their multicolored tails.

The loud clang of pots and pans woke her from her dreamy state. Maiylene had been busily gazing at the vast expanse of white, with dots of green peeking here and there, from her window. It was quite a sight to behold, and would be even more so once spring arrived. The loud noises continued, and she was forced to tear her gaze away from the view; firmly planting herself, once more, into reality.

"Maiylene! Time for breakfast!" Her mother's loud voice echoed into the room, the smell of pancakes and honey wafting in the air. Her stomach growled loudly, reminding her of her body's basic need to survive; nourishment.

Neglecting her morning duties, her bed remained unmade, she bound down the stairs two at a time, in a rush to devour and satiate her hunger.

"Good morning mama!" She greeted, her voice loud and full of a child's innocence and cheery disposition. Stretching her arms towards her mother in an effort to place a kiss against her cheek.

Chuckling, her mother bends down to her height, allowing Maiylene to place one sloppy kiss on her milk chocolate cheek; the kind that kids usually give to their parents.

Happy with her work, Maiylene scurries to the high chair, pushing herself up with some difficulty. Indignantly ignoring her mother's attempt to help, insisting she was a "big girl".

Finally seated, she eyes the plate stacked with blueberry pancakes, drizzled with honey and topped with more berries; her mouth watering at the sight.

Impatiently, she scarfs down the food with vigor, eager to head on outside and enjoy the sun. She had been missing the spring sun and was excited that it had finally come out to play.

Noticing her daughter ravenously scarf down her food, she is briefly taken back to her childhood; running around the patty fields, climbing trees, and picking fruits. Oh, the beauty of childhood.

"Maiylene," she called, her daughter almost out of the back door while she was busily reminiscing.

"Yes mama?" Mai paused, hand wrapped around the glinting brass handle of the door; an antique that had been around the late 1800's.

"Your grandma sent a letter, she said she's excited to see you soon. And don't worry, grandma made sure to pick a different stamp just for you." A smile graced Arline's lips at the sight of her daughter's fist pump and large grin, her eyes sparkling in delight.

Maiylene's excitement continued through the day, never dampening as the day wore on. I'm gonna see grandma again, I wonder what sort of adventures we'll have? She thought as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Dreaming of dancing unicorns and playful faeries.

***

Author's Note:

Hi! So, this is my first time writing a story where the protagonist is a 10 year old! Did I do well? Please tell me.

We'll be meeting grandma Margaret soon and rest assured, she is a very loving grandma.

Amazing cover is by Karuar. Be sure to check out her works at the themonocommittee cover shop! Thanks once again!