Rain
A light rain pattered against the window. Washing way the harsh summer heart and leaving, as a gift to all, a sweet, refreshing scent.
Lucy wished that her sister would step out into that renewing rain. Let it clear off her make up that hid the gentle queen from view, and wash down her hair that she trapped in fake curls and pins.
Instead, Susan moved about the room searching for and umbrella in order to protect her appearance which, in Lucy's opinion she had taken far more time than one should spend on such a frivolous thing. Even when she was queen it did not take so long to make oneself impressive. In fact Lucy found that the less time her sister spent, the more beautiful and regal she was. But what did a 'silly little girl' know? As Susan would tell her whenever she voiced her opinion.
In another life, Susan would listen carefully to her sister. She would accept advice and criticism freely, considering it carefully. But that woman, that queen was slowly disappearing and fast becoming a stranger. A stranger who hid her beautiful, sun kissed face beneath pale make up, taking the light and life from her face. Who laughed almost scornfully and called Lucy silly. Who could, one moment be that kind and gentle queen, and in the next breath become condescending. Who knew nothing of Narnia. this hurt Lucy more than anything.
Had Lucy not such a kind and loving heart she would have hid the umbrella from her sister, and force the ridiculous girl to either stay home or brave the rain without it, as she was very tempted to do. Lucky for Susan though, her younger sister had never been so cruel. Susan seemed to enjoy parties and her beau made her smile, which had not happened often since their return. Wanting her sister to be happy, no matter how much it pain her, Lucy handed over the sought after umbrella, albeit reluctantly.
She accepted and hug and kiss goodbye from her sister and watched, crest fallen, as she very carefully walked out the door, ever mindful of her beautiful façade, and it broke Lucy's steadfast heart.