After Agatha's encounter with the Farbs, she made up her mind to allow Satas explore as it was a part of a good childhood.
One day, when Satas was dismissed from School instead of going straight home, she went to the forest to meet with the Farbs and this continued.
One morning, Agatha confronted her thirteen year old daughter about her recent attitudes.
Mom; you said I could go to the Farbs anytime and here I am doing what you told me. Am I not mom?
Satas, mind the way you speak to me, Agatha said as she departed into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Fine mommy, Said Satas as she took her school bag and banged the door without having her breakfast.
Satas! Satas!! Agatha called out to her but there was no response.
What am I going to do now, Agatha asked herself rhetorically.
***
Satas was thinking about the conversation she and her mom had at home as voices kept resounding in her head.
"Who does she think she is by the way, one said; does she think she owns you? The other whispered.
No, no, Said Satas as her teacher Mrs Neny intervenes.
Are you alright Satas, she asked and immediately Satas held her neck and raised her up and whispered to her; Mind your damn business.
All the students, perplexed by what Satas was doing, ran out of the Classroom.
Mr Rogers ( The head teacher) saw them and requested an explanation, the pupils explained and he immediately ran to Satas class but shockingly, Satas and Mrs Neny were having a very nice chat.
Mrs Neny scaringly told the head teachers that it was a prank organized by her and her students.
Mr Rogers scolded her and told her to make sure her class is well organized and coordinated.
After dismissal, Mrs Neny tendered her resignation letter and quit her job.
That day, Satas went home happily and slept without a word or an answer to her mother.
***
The next morning, Satas went to her mom and apologized for being rude yesterday and then narrated everything that happened in the school to her mom.
What? You did that, asked Agatha.
No, no, mom, all that was my imagination and it happened because my teacher said magical creatures are not real.
Satas, you are just thirteen years old, please don't let your imagination grow into a case study.
Okay mommy said Satas as she went out to play with a neighbor's child.
***
It had been a gloomy afternoon when Satas again saw the Farbs and at this time, not in the woods but in Agatha's home.
Mom! Mom!!, Satas called.
This was the first time Agatha laid eyes on the Farbs properly. She was very perplexed when she saw the—curious little creatures no taller than her knee, with skin that shimmered like a freshly polished gemstone. The Farbs had come from the woods, their laughter echoing like chimes carried on the wind. They were mischievous, yes, and their eyes sparkled with the kind of mischief that could turn an ordinary day into an adventure. They had offered Agatha and Satas a taste of their enchanted berries, promising an afternoon filled with wonder and joy.
And wonder it had been, with swirling colors, laughter, and stories from a world Agatha had long thought she had outgrown. She watched as Satas transformed under the spell of their joy, her laughter mingling with the Farbs' like a melody. For a brief moment, Agatha revisited her own carefree childhood, filled with vivid dreams and endless explorations.
But the moment was ephemeral. The sun began to dip below the horizon, the chirps of the evening crickets drowned out by the rustling leaves signifying that it was time to return. A part of Agatha wished they stay, to explore that world where magic mingled with reality, but the protective instinct of a mother took over, and they quickly said their goodbyes.
When the Farbs left; Agatha could still picture the colors of the Farbs' world still dancing in her mind. But returning to the mundane felt heavy in her heart. As she tucked Satas into bed that night, Agatha found herself grappling with a profound realization. She had restricted Satas for far too long, keeping her precious child within the confines of safety while denying her the chance to explore, to discover, and to grow.
The very next day, Agatha sat Satas down. "You remember the Farbs?" she asked, her voice soft, her mind teeming with fresh thoughts.
"Yes, Mama! The Farbs are my friends and I have told them to come visit anytime. Please can we see them again?" Satas' eyes sparkled with excitement.
Agatha took a deep breath. "I think it's time you had the chance to explore. You're growing up, and adventure is part of a good childhood."
Satas' face was a mixture of disbelief and pure joy. "Really? You mean it? I can go outside and see what I can find?"
"Of course, but let's make it safe and structured," Agatha replied, a little of her caution creeping back in. "We'll have boundaries, but I want you to experience things, to learn about the world, just like I did."
And so it began. Over the following days and weeks, Satas explored the valley that cradled their village. With Agatha at her side, they ventured to the edge of the woods, where the sunlight dappled through the trees and where laughter echoed from hidden glades. They discovered the sparkling brook that babbled secrets of the earth, etched patterns in the muddy banks, and observed the tiny creatures that called it home.
With each adventure, Agatha found herself loosening the firm grip she had held over Satas' life. They made flower crowns, had picnics under the old oak tree, and even built a fort from sticks and leaves. Satas' laughter filled the air, a sound so pure and invigorating that it breathed life back into Agatha's own spirit.