Tato’s
Mama’s Story: The Adopted Snow Child (Part Two of a Four Part Tale)
NJSV Snow Maiden Doll |
by Paula Gail
Benson
Tato’s mama looked sternly at the assembled grandchildren. They fidgeted and giggled. “No respect,” she muttered.
“Listen,” I instructed my cousins. “So
you can judge.”
They quieted. She began:
“At midnight on
Christmas Eve, a childless couple fashioned a snow baby. The next morning, the baby
came to life, a beautiful girl they named, Snegurochka.”
“Like Pinocchio?”
Tato’s mama ignored the question.
“Snegurochka played with the other
girls. They went into the woods and made a great fire. The others jumped over
it. But, when Snegurochka tried, she melted away.”
Everyone was silent. Then, the
youngest granddaughter began to cry.
Mama’s
Mama’s Story: The Icy Immortal (Part Three of a Four Part Tale)
Ded Moroz |
by Paula Gail
Benson
“Coddled,” Tato’s mama huffed.
Mama’s mama tsk-tsked. “They are caring.
My turn.”
Silently, the grandchildren listened.
“Traditionally, Snegurochka accompanies
Ded Moroz to distribute Christmas presents.”
“Ah, Grandfather Frost,” said one
child.
“Father Christmas,” another insisted
Mama’s mama raised her hand for quiet.
“Snegurochka was created from snow by Ded Moroz and Spring, both immortals. When
Snegurochka sought to befriend a mortal shepherd boy, Spring allowed her to
feel love. But the warmth in Snegurochka’s heart caused her to melt.”
“Like Frosty?” asked one child.
“Why are both versions so sad?”
another wondered.
The Babas shook their scarfed heads in
unison.
Iryna’s
Question (Part Four of a Four Part Tale)
Father Frost and Snow Maiden Ornament |
by Paula Gail
Benson
Neither Baba’s story won the contest. They walked away, huddled together, despairing no respect for tradition and blaming American child-rearing.
Later, in her room, I found Iryna, my
youngest sister, comparing two books. One told the immortal Snegurochka’s story.
The other was The Wizard of Oz.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornament |
“The Tin Man and Snegurochka were hurt
by receiving hearts. If they remained heartless, couldn’t they love each other?”
Hopeful little matchmaker, I thought.
Smiling, I placed my arm across her shoulders. “Only with pain does one know
love is real.”
With a sigh, Iryna nodded.
Snow Maiden Glass Ornament |
***
These three 100-word stories are offered as entries for the annual Advent Ghosts event hosted by Loren Eaton at I Saw Lightning Fall. See the other entries there. Thanks, Loren, for the opportunity!