Prequel
Ms. Candice slowly thumbed through the pages of her book. The words began to blur as her head drooped down against her shoulder. Her eyelids closed as she started to doze off.
She was awaken, suddenly, by a small cry. She sat up, startled. Once she realized where, or rather, who, the cries were coming from she sighed, slumping back into her chair for a moment before pushing herself to her feet. She tiredly trudged over to the next room. The door creaked as she opened it and stepped inside.
The room contained several cribs, all of which held peacefully sleeping infants; all except one. One crib held a very much awake little girl. Her small hands were gripping the bars holding herself up as she shook with discomfort. Her blonde curls bounced as she moved and small cries erupted from her trembling lips. Her cheeks were rosy and her green eyes were swimming with unshed tears.
"I'm coming. I'm coming." whispered Candice as she hurriedly made her way over to the unhappy child. She gently lifted the girl up, placing her on her hip, and carried her over to the corner of the room. She sat down on an old rocking chair, balancing the infant on her lap.
"Hush baby." She said as they rocked back and forth in the chair. Her cries softened to dull whimpers as she continued to stir in Candice's lap. Candice attempted to soothe the small girl, rubbing soft circles on her back and murmuring words of comfort. When this failed to calm the child, she decided to try another tactic. She leaned over and switched on the small, tableside, lamp.
"I have an idea." She stated, "How about we read a story?" The girl's whimpers seized as she looked up at the woman with bright eyes at the mention of a story. The woman let out a soft chuckle as she reached down to pick out a book. "Oh, look." she cooed. "It's your favorite." A small smile spread across the infant's face when she saw the familiar cover. Candice settled down further into the chair, cuddling the child close as she opened the book.
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarves." She began. "Once upon a time…"
By the time Prince Charming had awoken Snow White the infant was already snoozing in Candice's lap. The woman set the book down quietly and carefully lifted the sleeping girl up, carrying her over to her crib. She set her down gently and tucked her in with her baby blanket. She then leaned down and placed a feather-like kiss against the child's forehead.
"Sweet dreams, Emma."
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