1
A Forgetful Fairy
Daisy wondered if today would be the day she had been waiting for.
Standing on the topmost leaf of a flannel flower bush, beneath the swaying shade of a bloom, she watched the morning sun sparkle off the deep green water below.
The soft, thrumming sound of wings in flight made Daisy turn. A shiny green beetle hovered beside Daisy’s head before landing on her shoulder. It was her best friend, Vu.
‘Good morning, sleepyhead,’ said Daisy. ‘What shall we do on this beautiful day?’
Looking exasperated, Vu chittered a reply.
‘That’s today?!’ Daisy exclaimed. She looked at how far the sun had already risen. ‘We’re going to be late!’
Not having earned her wings yet, Daisy began the long climb down from the top of the flannel flower bush, carefully moving from one leaf to the next. It seemed to take forever.
Daisy sighed with relief when her feet finally touched the ground. She was just about to set off running when, high above, through the gaps in the leaves, a flicker of movement caught her eye. It was Nen, Daisy’s mum, her smooth white hair shining in the sunshine and her pale green dress billowing about her as she fluttered among the flowers.
Nen’s real name was Anne, which meant ‘kin to the flannel flower’, but Daisy had called her Nen as a baby, and the nickname had stuck.
Daisy waved to get her attention.
‘This is a lovely surprise,’ Nen said as she landed, pulling Daisy into a big bear hug.
‘You left so early that I never got to say good morning. I thought you were helping your dad today?’
‘I’m on my way there now,’ said Daisy. ‘But it takes so much longer when you have to walk. I wish I had my wings,’ she groaned.
Nen smiled. ‘I know, petal. But only the Fairy Queen can grant you your wings. I’ve been watching you though, and I’m sure it won’t be long now,’ she said with a wink.
Daisy felt a tingling warmth spread through her body at Nen’s words. ‘Do you really think so?’ she breathed.
‘There’s not a speck of doubt in my mind. Now, give me a kiss before I go. The native bees are pollinating the wattle saplings on the south side of the forest today, and I want to make sure that none of the saplings are missed.’
‘Because bees are in the habit of missing whole trees,’ Daisy teased.
‘I know, I know. I worry too much,’ Nen shrugged. ‘I can’t help it though. It’s my Calling.’
Daisy’s mum and dad were always so busy with their Callings – Nen helping the young plants grow, and her dad healing the sick. Even Daisy’s sister Maggie spent most of her time on her music.
I wonder, thought Daisy, what my Calling will be?
She stretched up to kiss Nen on the cheek.
‘Not a speck of doubt,’ she whispered as she watched her mum flutter away. ‘Did you hear that, Vu? Nen thinks I’ll have my wings soon.’
With a chitter that he’d expected nothing less, Vu nuzzled against Daisy’s cheek before reminding her once again that there was somewhere they needed to be.