I’m in a beautiful garden. Colourful flowers bloom all around me as three people laugh, and birds sing above. A little girl dressed in purple is looking at the clouds as her father listens to her stories. A woman is standing beside them while braiding some flowers. This must be a dream, I think as I come closer to hear what they are talking about.

“And then they lived happily ever after!” the girl dressed in purple says proudly as she finishes her story.

“That’s a beautiful tale, Adeline!” her father says as he proudly pats her on the head.

“Here! It’s finished!” her mother says softly as she places the little flower crown on Adeline’s head.

“It looks so cute! Thank you!” the girl exclaims happily and hugs the woman lovingly.

“Guess we know who the favourite parent is!” the father jokes and the mother rolls her eyes.

“Father, is it true that green wizards and witches can talk to spirits? My nanny told me that yesterday.” Adeline asks her father and he smiles.

“I think your mother could answer that better than me!” the father replies and chuckles.

I look closer at the mother’s dress and realise that she’s the only one wearing green out of the three. She smiles at her daughter and hugs her gently.

“Yes, we can! They tell us all of their secrets! Very spooky, right?”

“And you aren’t scared?” Adeline asks with big eyes.

“No! Once they calm down, they are just people. Besides, I’m very courageous!” the mother replies with a wink.

The three of them laugh and look up at the sky as clouds are surrounded by golden hues. The father falls deep in thought and sighs a little, as if a huge burden fell on his shoulders long ago.

“Adeline, look around, this whole forest will one day be yours and you will be able to decide what you do with your life. Remember to make the choices that are kind. And make sure to treat everyone with the same love you want to be treated.” her father says all of a sudden.

“Even the bad people? Like the ones from that village?” Adeline asks.

“Yes, Adeline, there is no such thing as the bad people from that village, only the people from that village. People are capable of doing good from wherever they come, and most people are good. Why do you think they should be different?”

“Because they lie that we are doing bad things. Uncle said so. And they hate us. They want us gone from here.”

“And you think that you do not want them gone?” her father asks.

“I want them to be gone only because they dislike me.”

“And what is the difference between you and them then? You both want each other gone and you both dislike one another.”

“I don’t know…” the girl replies as she thinks.

“Adeline, one day, you will have to make big decisions that will impact others, make sure that you always choose the option of peace and not hatred. Hate only corrupts and destroys. You are capable of great things, but be careful to not stray from the right path, ok?” her father asks and she looks at him. “Promise?”

“Promise!” Adeline answers and the parents smile.

“Now then, who’s up for some chocolate cake?” the father asks joyfully and Adeline jumps to her feet happily.

“Me! Me!”

“Ok then, but don’t forget to wash your hands first!” the mother says as Adeline rushes out of the garden, entering a beautiful white mansion with elegant railings and big windows.

The two adults remain alone in the garden and stay in silence for a while.

“You really think she’ll have to deal with such terrible things?” the mother asks with concern.

“These are terrible times, we can’t be certain of anything. But I hope not. I hope people come back to their senses soon.” the father says as he sighs.