Crystal Rosalina Angel Meadowlark had a terrible life. Crystal was abandoned by her mother at the tender age of one. Her father was devastated, but he raised her as well as he could- until he died in a horribly tragic car crash five years later. Crystal was taken in by her Aunt Ida and Uncle Richie. They were cruel to her and preferred their own children. She was forced to sleep on the couch every night and was never given any Christmas presents. Despite this trauma, Crystal stayed innocent and loving. Her friends said that she was the happiest person that they had ever met. "You're so bright and shiny and perfect, just like your name," they would croon, as they braided her flowing hair. "Don't lie to make me feel better. Why, you're much kinder than I am," was always her reply. The only thing in the world she owned was The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (collector's edition). Her father had given the books to her when she was very young, and now she took them with her wherever she went. Her favorite character was Legolas, the elf. But that goes without saying. Sometimes her cousins teased her about her LOTR love. Crystal always forgave them though, for they knew not what they did. Instead, she pitied them. She knew they were decent people beneath all their gruffness, and they only teased her because they were jealous of her good marks. Still, sometimes she wished she could… get away from it all. Sometimes she wished she could just fall into a book and never come out again. And one day, she did. It happened after supper. Crystal had managed to save a few bread-crumbs from her meal, and when everyone was asleep she slipped away to feed her animal friends in the forest. She wasn't wearing any shoes, and the forest floor was soft against her feet. Silvery moonlight painted the treetops and made paths of light on the still ponds. Her white nightgown dragged across the brown leaves. "Come here, Fluffkins. Come here, Tweety. I have some yummy food for you," Crystal called softly, holding the crumbs in her hand. There was no answer. That was strange! The animals always came when they heard her. Perhaps they were crept deeper and deeper into the forest. "Wake up! I've brought you some delicious munchies." Still no answer. At last, Crystal gave up. She turned around, prepared to go back home. But when she looked back, the woods looked strange and unfamiliar. She could no longer see the path she had come by. Crystal was lost. She sat at the base of an oak tree and curled into a ball. Strange noises were coming from the undergrowth. A pair of yellow eyes fixed on her. It was only an owl-or at least, she hoped so. "Can you show me my way home?" She choked. The eyes moved sideways. No. Then the owl took flight, leaving her alone in the dark forest. Hot tears streaked down her face (but she still looked every bit as lovely as before). She cried and cried, until she finally fell asleep.