Page 8 of How To Survive This Fairytale

Swimming, splashing, diving.

“You don’t think any fish will want to eat me, do you?”

Splashing, diving, swimming.

Feeding Favorite mussels from the palm of your hand.

Diving, swimming, splashing.

Trying to feed Favorite’s brothers.

Laughing when they scorn you, as they always do.

“Favorite, you’re the only one with princely manners… or maybe the only one without.I’m a peasant, after all.Not very princely to spend time with the likes of me.”

Wondering what it will be like when he’s human again.

Wondering if you’ll still get along.

Wondering what his face might look like.

“You know, I didn’t think I could have a family again.I didn’t know a family could make you feel wanted.I’ll be here when you’re human again.I’ll be here always.”

Wondering:Would a kiss break his curse?

Kissing his beak.

Seeing a prince-turned-swan staring at you, still a swan.

“Sorry.I thought it might work.That always fixes everything in the stories.I guess I should have known better, huh?”

* * *

Racing Favorite across the lake.

Drying off when the sun goes down.

Carrying him inside.

Making dinner with Gertrude.

Holding Favorite while Gertrude sews and bleeds and silently cries.

Keeping Favorite still when he tries to leap at Gertrude.

Making a balm for the blisters.

Watching her sleep.

Looking at Favorite.

Communicating, with a glance, that you both wish you could do this for her.

Cleaning the hovel while she sleeps.

Doing every chore with Favorite’s help.

Laying down to sleep with Favorite tucked against your head.