A Fragranch Girl

Crash! The sound of shattering glass in the kitchen pierced through the stillness of the night, like a bolt of lightning striking Bella’s heart, waking her from a restless sleep. Outside her room, dark shadows flickered under the door, accompanied by the voice of a woman—a voice she knew well, yet now filled with pain. Slowly, she got up, her body heavy, as though weighed down by an invisible fear. Holding her breath, she crept toward the source of the noise, her steps quiet, almost soundless. “You can’t do this. I can’t accept it!” The trembling yet resolute voice echoed, tearing through the cold air of the kitchen. Bella froze behind the door, witnessing a scene she never wanted to see. In front of her, her parents stood like statues, their souls torn apart. Her mother, Kristin, gripped the edge of the table with shaking hands, while her father stood tall but with a vacant gaze. “I’m sorry, Kristin,” her father’s voice was low, almost a whisper. Yet, those words were like a storm to Kristin. Her body trembled, and her eyes gradually filled with tears that streamed uncontrollably. “You’re leaving us?” she asked, her voice hoarse, almost breaking. Bella bit her lip, her hand covering her mouth to stifle the sob that threatened to escape. Fear and anger swirled within her, but she was too afraid to move, too afraid to stop what was happening. “I love her, Kristin. I can’t leave her,” her father replied, his voice trembling yet resolute. He avoided Kristin’s gaze, looking down as though trying to escape the pain in her eyes. Without waiting for a response, her father turned and began to walk away. His heavy footsteps echoed like hammer blows in Bella’s ears. “Dad…” Bella finally spoke, stepping out of her hiding place. Her voice cracked, laden with unspoken questions. Her father paused for a moment, turning to face her with a guilt-ridden expression. “When you’re older, you’ll understand, Bella,” he said softly. That was all. No further explanation, no promises—just words hanging in the air, sharp and painful like thorns. He left, his retreating figure fading into the darkness. Bella stood frozen, her hands trembling, tears streaming down her face, unstoppable. But a faint sob behind her brought Bella back to her senses. She turned to find her mother collapsed on the floor, crying in suffocating silence. Kristin looked fragile, like a dry leaf on the verge of crumbling in the wind. “Mom…” Bella whispered, her knees buckling as she knelt beside her. With a heart full of guilt and confusion, she embraced her mother’s trembling frame. Her hug was desperate, as if trying to transfer all the strength she had to the woman who was now her entire world. Yet, amidst the tears and silence, one truth became painfully clear to Bella: her family would never be the same again. --- The memory of last night’s fight lingered, haunting Bella like a thorn lodged in her heart. The pain refused to be ignored. That morning, she couldn’t bring herself to go to work. Her mind was a mess, her heart heavy with unspoken grief. Without much thought, she headed to the forest, her usual refuge. The forest was like a small paradise that still remained in her life. Her modest home was not far from it—a place brimming with sweet memories of camping trips with her parents, filled with laughter under the stars. But now, those memories felt like ghosts—beautiful yet painful. “What should I do…” Bella murmured softly, her voice swallowed by the wind. The gentle forest breeze caressed her hair, as if whispering a peace that never arrived. She closed her eyes, hoping the sounds of nature would drown out the chaos in her heart. But suddenly… Rustle! A large white shadow darted at the edge of her vision, quickly disappearing deeper into the forest. Bella froze. Her heart pounded, a mix of fear and curiosity overwhelming her. Hesitantly, she followed the shadow, weaving through the trees that stood like silent sentinels around her. “What kind of animal is that?” she whispered to herself. She walked further, deeper into the forest, until her eyes landed on a large white figure lying on the ground. “A wolf…” Bella murmured. She stood in shock, her eyes widening. This was no ordinary wolf. Its fur was pure white, as pristine as snow reflecting moonlight. But its beauty was marred by a crimson stain—a wound on its belly, bleeding profusely. “You’re hurt?” she asked softly, her voice a mix of a whisper and a tremble. She wanted to get closer, but her human instincts held her back. What if the animal attacked her? “A-are you going to bite me?” she asked again, knowing there would be no answer. Yet, the wolf only stared at her with weary eyes, as though silently pleading for help. “Al-alright. Wait here,” Bella decided, her voice shaky. She ran off, searching for medicinal plants she had seen with her mother in the forest before. Her small hands carefully picked leaves, then crushed them on a large rock. The sharp scent of fresh leaves filled the air, mingling with her anxiety. Carefully, Bella returned to the wolf. Her body trembled, but somehow she found the courage to approach. “I-I’ll help you,” she said softly. She applied the herbal paste to the wolf’s wound, then tore the hem of her dress to bandage it. “Don’t move. I… I’ll come back with food for you,” she promised. With hurried steps, she left the wolf, running toward her house to fetch something edible. The white wolf remained still. Its weary eyes followed the girl, gazing at her with an inexplicable expression, as if understanding something only it could. A fragrant girl… A faint whisper seemed to drift in the wind, its source unknown. The wolf closed its eyes, surrendering to its exhaustion while holding onto the image of the maiden who had touched it with courage and kindness.