I wanted to groan. “Why me?”
“You’re beautiful.” Merrifolds’s little face turned wistful. “Even my mom isn’t as pretty as you.”
“So you mentioned while I was peacefully sleeping. How old are you?”
“Almost thirteen. I can’t wait until I’m sixteen like Dewy. All the boys want to be with her.”
This time I did groan and set the little brownie back on my pillow.
“Listen, Merri. Boys aren’t the be-all and end-all in life. There’s so much more out there.”
Her gaze filled with doubt, she looked up at me.
“Like what?”
I got out of bed carefully so I wouldn’t knock her over and went for one of my favorite books. It was an old one about travel that had amazing pictures. I paged through it and showed her how much of the world was out there, waiting for her to discover it. Wonder lit her tiny face before she grew notably sad.
“You’re big enough to do all of that. If I tried, I’d lose my wings.”
As I looked at her, I realized how much the little brownie was like me. If she stayed in the marshes, she’d lose her freedom because she’d get pregnant as soon as her hormones kicked in. If she left, she’d lose the freedom of her wings. Either way, she was going to lose something. It was up to her to decide which loss would hurt less.
“If I ever get my mark, I’ll take you with me to one of these places.”
“Really?”
I nodded and smiled when she launched herself into the air and did several excited loop the loops.
“This is the best day of my life. No one’s ever been this nice to me.”
She zoomed up close to my face.
“This isn’t just a trick to get my wings, is it?”
“No. I understand what limited options feel like. And if I’m in a position to help yours feel less limited, why wouldn’t I?”
She squealed and bounced in the air.
“Could I ask a favor, though? Several, actually.”
Merri grew serious.
“I sent Piepen to the marshes because I wanted to help him move on. I told him I’m not interested in a relationship with him, but he won’t listen. Can you let your sister know that I’m not competing for his affection?”
Merri exhaled, and her shoulders sagged in visible relief.
“I thought you were going to ask for my wings.”
Annoyed for a brief moment, I frowned at the girl.
“I know you said you don’t want them, but my mom and dad told me a lot of creatures would say that to try to trick me. Dewy warned me, too, just before she sent me off.”
“If she’s so worried about your wings, she shouldn’t have sent you at all. Which brings me to my second favor. Promise me you won’t come back. I’ll visit the marshes and call your name if I’m ever able to keep my promise.” She nodded quickly. “The final favor is to tell your people to stop visiting me. I’m dangerous at night, and I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
Her eyes grew large.
“I’ll tell them. Thank you for not hurting me.”
“You’re welcome.”
