Angel awoke on an ethereal plane, surrounded by wisps of cloud and stars. Her body felt strange, as if it had no weight, yet she could not control her motions. She could only stare. In front of her was a beautiful woman dressed in a lovely flowing blue gown, sparkling tiara and carrying a wand that ended in a shimmering star. Moonlight reflected from her gossamer wings. "Who are you?" she whispered. The woman reminded her of something or someone from her childhood.
"I am the Blue Fairy," replied the woman.
Immediately Angel's eyes filled with tears. In early childhood, her favourite bedtime story had been Pinocchio. She loved the idea that through good deeds and being pure of heart, a boy of wood could be transformed into his heart's desire. As she grew older, she longed for the Blue Fairy to deem her worthy enough to cut away the strings of gender conformity and outward appearances and grant her desperate wish to become a real girl. She wanted to know the joy Pinocchio experienced when he finally became real.
She had long stopped believing in fairy tales. She had no blue fairy to make her real, so she tried to make the transformation on her own. It wasn't the same. A part of her died inside every time she had to remove her wig. She fashioned clothing to express herself, but they were merely coverings, hiding the lie that biology told her whenever she was undressed.
"You came. I always hoped you would. When I was little and wished on stars I wanted you to come to me. Are you going to make me a real girl?" she asked, her voice full of hope and emotion.
The Blue Fairy smiled. "I know how you long for a transformation, but you see, Angel, it's your spirit that makes you real, not the shape of the package you come in. You are a beautiful strong woman. You've found the power of love and acceptance, so you don't need my magic. You already are a real girl."
At once, Angel felt happiness radiating through her. She saw the plane melt away and Collins living room came into focus. He had his arms around her as they watched the animated version of Pinocchio. As Pinocchio made his transformation, Angel whispered, "Thank you, Blue Fairy." A single tear slipped from her eye. She finally knew how Pinocchio felt.