Lila roused from her slumber to the chirping tunes of birds and the aroma of freshly baked bread. She yawned and stretched her body, perceiving a pricking sensation in her toes. She grinned and slid out of her bed, now attired in her nightwear. Swiftly, she moved to the kitchen area, where her mother welcomed her with a wide smile.
"Happy birthday, my precious pixie!" her mother exclaimed, wrapping her into a tight embrace.
"Thanks, mom!" Lila replied, returning her attention, hugging her tightly in return.
Her mother guided her towards the kitchen table, where a delicious meal awaited her. Consisting of various delicious delicacies, including eggs, bacon, toast, jam, and juice. Additionally, a marvelous cake was placed at the heart of the table. The cake possessed green frosting with a decorative arrangement of flowers placed upon it. Its lettering read, "My little pixie has reached the age of 18" in yellow print.
"Lila was astonished, and exclaimed, "The festivities are remarkable! When did you manage to achieve this?"
Her mother smiled and winked. "With a dash of sorcery and a significant quantity of affection, sweetie. Just blow out the candles and make your wish," the mother responded.
Lila shut her eyes and pondered upon her desires. She wanted joy and liberty, wanted the ability to explore and encounter unique individuals, wanted peace from the hunters who persisted in hunting fairies like her. She yearned to exist authentically without restraint. She hoped to achieve a future where she could embrace her true self.
She blew out the candles and sliced the cake, sharing the delightful dessert with her mother. They partook of their morning meal and conversed about their objectives for the day. Lila disclosed to her mother that she aimed to pursue literature and practice her magic. She refused to disclose that she previously visited the regional market and resorted to her sorcery to nurse a rabbit. She feared angering her mother or creating worry for her.
Lila understood her mother's protectiveness. The existence of fairies was deemed undesirable in society. Therefore, they required living in a secluded area in the woods with care, concealing their authentic selves. These individuals were prone to capture and incarceration if they failed to remain cautious and inconspicuous. They were compelled to be vigilant and discreet, less they face worse fates.
Lila desired more than the existing scenario. She possessed an inquisitive nature along with an adventurous disposition, intending to live each day to its highest potential. She needed to explore the world and engage in unfamiliar activities. She aimed to enjoy existence and fall in love, just like her deceased father had done with her mother.
She desired her mother's comprehension and wanted to seek freedom to leave the vicinity.
After feasting and concluding their morning meal, she braced herself and addressed her mother. "Mother, may I ask one thing?"
Her mother responded with a kind expression. "Of course, my dearest. Please feel free to inquire as necessary.
Lila inhaled to collect herself. "Mother, could you permit me to exit our cottage since it's my birthday today? Please?"
Her mother's expression lost its brightness. She fixed Lila with a mixture of apprehension and shock.
"Dear, you recognize that the outside environment is perilous, correct? Dangerous individuals, such as hunters and traps, lurk around. The probability of suffering severe injury or capture exists. I do not wish to lose you, my darling. You are my everything," she conveyed with concern and sorrow.
Lila was afflicted with remorse. She recognized that her mother cherished her and likewise held love for her. The concept of causing anguish or anxiety to her mother loomed over her. Despite her conflicting concerns, she desired to partake in enjoyable experiences, such as celebrating her birthday and navigating the world. However, she feared hurting her mom, or causing her worry.
"Mom, I grasp your hesitancy. Please recognize that I'm not a youngling. I'm 18 years of age, a proper adult. I'm capable of caring for myself, utilizing my magic powers, and soaring with speed. I swear I'll stay close and remain vigilant. I merely desire to visit the populace and acquire an attractive product. Please, mother, only for today. It's my birthday, in fact."
Her mother sighed, her determination faltering in the face of her daughter's hopeful expression. Despite her love for her child, she realized Lila was maturing and required autonomy. She was aware she was unable to restrict the young lady perpetually. She knew, eventually, she would need to let Lila go, regardless of how much she cared for her.
She reached for Lila's white locks and touched them lovingly, denoting their fairy heritage. She spoke, saying, "Lila, my dearest sweetheart, you are my most cherished individual. I desire for you to experience joy. However, I also yearn for your safety. If I permitted you to venture out today, I require a vow. You must promise to exercise caution, stay near to me, heed my words, and return before dark."
Lila nodded energetically. "I guarantee it, mother. I assure you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
She embraced her mom passionately and kissed her cheek repeatedly. She was filled with joy and couldn't believe what she heard. Her desire to venture into the external world and revel in the atmosphere appeared to have been satisfied.
She rushed into her room and retrieved her scarf and cardigan. She draped it around her and concealed her hair beneath it. She pulled down her hood and hid her hair. She concealed the distinct markers of a fairy. Her mother's incantations enabled camouflage of their distinctively fairy features. The eyes changed from blue to green, and the skin from pale hue to olive. Furthermore, the ears altered from pointy to round.
They resembled typical humans owing to their allure and elegance. As they proceeded into the town, they witnessed the shops and booths, individuals and creatures, hues and scents. Lila was overcome with delight and eagerness. Her desire to peruse everything, touch anything, and taste everything overwhelmed her.
The young lady clasped her mother's hand and walked beside her. The mom displayed and purchased items she deemed suitable, as well as gifts for the young lady. The young lady was overjoyed with the tokens and demonstrated her gratitude by expressing thanks and embracing the mother. She cherished the offerings, as well as the mother.
They also procured beverages and snacks, where they lounged upon a bench to partake of the meal. They observed the passersby and overheard their discussions. The discussions included references to the climate, the harvests, the news, and the drama. They heard laughter, arguments, and singing.
Lila felt a sense of intimacy with the others, despite their differences. She felt like she belonged and became part of the world. The young lady delighted in the present.
She was overwhelmed by appreciation and affection. She expressed her gratitude, "Mother, for this occasion, and granting me permission. I feel overjoyed and grateful. You are my mother, the one I cherish most. I adore you immensely."
The mother, with a gentle smile, voiced her contentment and expressed her affection. "My dear, I appreciate your kind words. I'm content with your happiness. I love you, my dearest."
The pair completed their repast and prepared to return to the home. As they traversed the exterior of the town, they observed figures near their cottage. Their appearance resembled that of hunters: armed with guns and accompanied by dogs, attired in outfits and symbols. They noticed women wielding nets and knives and discovered individuals bearing badges.
They recognized the hunters' identity and grasped that they were being pursued. They felt a rush of shock and fear, along with sorrow and agony. Their realization of an unexpected catastrophe caused their minds to feel overwhelmed.
Upon witnessing the house becoming assaulted, they concealed themselves behind a bush to dodge detection and remain hidden.