four

Things can get a bit dramatic among sisters.

By lunchtime, Goldie had come home. She had even calmed down enough to exchange two words with Sylva over lunch. “Butter?” said Goldie. “Thanks,” said Sylva. By teatime, Goldie and Rosy were out in Lady’s Slipper Field, watching for deer. And when the sun went down that evening, the sisters were cozy by the fireplace (made with wood gathered by Goldie), listening to Clara as she read from their favorite story.

“‘Her voice was so low that at first he could not make out what she said,’” Clara read. Clara had reached one of the most exciting parts of Peter Pan: the moment when their big sister Tink was in the most danger. Even Squeak was perfectly quiet as Clara continued. “‘Then he made it out. She was saying that she thought she could get well again if children believed in fairies.’”

They all knew what would happen next (perhaps you do too), but still it took four mugs—plus one bottle—of warm milk for them all to recover from such a dramatic moment in the story. Once they had settled down, Goldie volunteered to tuck Squeak into her crib in the great room, for it was way past her bedtime. Goldie got the blankets just right. Squeakie’s tired eyes opened for a moment.

“Ma-bo-bo,” said Squeak.

“I love you too, Squeakie,” whispered Goldie.

Just before bed, Rosy handed Goldie her scarlet ribbons. “They’re a little charred from the fire,” she said. “But I know you’ll find a use for them.” Clara looked on and smiled.

Goldie took them from Rosy gratefully. “Sorry about all that,” whispered Goldie.

“It’s all right,” said Clara and Rosy, at the same time.

“Time for bed,” said Sylva. She gave Goldie a quick hug. Goldie hugged her back.

And the Fairy Bell sisters were at peace again.