Helena knew little about the world outside. She only knew the world of doctors and murmurs and examinations. She knew the world of cushy beds and slipping in and out of sleep and looking out the window and food that she did not eat. She knew the world of parents consulting with doctors.  

“She’s got little time left.” 

• 

Helena woke up blearily, blinking her eyes to adjust to the dusty light of her luxurious bedroom. Nanny was waiting patiently for her with a story and a tray of breakfast. Nanny’s stories were a great novelty to the young girl. They told of adventures in magical kingdoms and wonderful plants and creatures, and fairy folk. Nanny always told her to mind the fairy folk. They would love nothing better than to take her away. 

• 

Helena’s condition was getting worse. She found herself slipping in and out of sleep more and more often. Death lurked over her as sure as... Spring moved into summer and her dusty room was filled with sweltering heat. That was when it happened. That was when the fairies came out. 

At first, they seemed like lurking shadows, at first, she wasn’t sure they were there. At first, she was scared. That all was soon to change. 

• 

At first it was little things. Faint music that did not sound like any instrument Helena had ever heard. Flowers started to grow in her room, claiming the furniture for nature. Blooms that were far beyond anything the human eye had ever seen. They were a glimpse of another world. It was beautiful, in a way. That was when the music grew louder. 

• 

The doctors and nurses and parents faded into the background. The music had drawn her in. For good. As the blooms flourished, something in Helena... changed. Her eyes had been opened to an entirely new world. A world where she was happy, healthy. A world without parents who she knew didn't love her. A world where it was always summer, and the flowers always bloomed. 

The shadows that were once so looming became a part of her. 

In truth, she had always been a shadow, herself. 

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