“In Time,
Clementine”
Chapter 1: “The Crystal”
Something bright was shining on her face, but it wasn’t the sun. Rather, it was something sparkly, something colourful, something... CRYSTAL!!! Clementine sprang up from her bed and dashed to the window, where a delicate chain with a tear-drop crystal pendant dangled from the window latch.
It was glowing in the morning sun, with all the colours of a perfect rainbow. In awe-filled wonder, she held up the pendant to let the sun rays reflect off it, and suddenly the pale walls of her bedroom was swathed with dancing diamonds of pink, orange and turquoise.
It was the best gift she had ever gotten for her birthday!!
Clementine washed her face and hands, put on her new birthday dress and tied the crystal chain around her neck. She felt like a princess-ballerina, and she twirled on the tips of her toes to the kitchen where the sweet smell of honey pancakes enticed her tummy.
Mum was singing as usual, and she stopped when Clementine came into the room. “Happy birthday my little Angel! I see you found your birthday present.” Mum placed a delicate kiss on Clementine’s head.
“Oh Mum, it’s so pretty! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!” Clementine gave Mum a tight hug. “And you’re making my favourite! Wow! You’re the best mum.”
“It is my pleasure dear, I love to make your day special,” said Mum.
Clementine sat down at the table to eat her pancake and watched as Mum fluttered around the kitchen with her pretty blue wings. How she wished she could get her butterfly wings!
Suddenly, Clementine felt unhappy and pushed her plate away.
Mum asked, “Is everything alright, dear? Don’t you want your pancake?”
“I do...” said Clementine slowly, “But I was wondering... Mum, when am I going to get my butterfly wings?”
“In time, Clementine,” Mum said. “There is a time for everything, and when it is time for your wings to grow, it will.”
“Oh,” Clementine sighed, “But I want to be pretty just like you!”
“And you are already my dear,” said Mum. “With or without wings, you are always pretty!” Mum kissed Clementine on her forehead. “Now finish up your breakfast so you can go out to play.”