Continuing The Babas Dilemma: Parts Two through Four of a Four Part Tale

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

          I sat beside her. “What are you thinking?”

          “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

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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!