"Oh, why can't you remain this way forever!"
Mother? I shall never grow up, I SHALL remain this way forever. What a silly thought - that I should ever be any older than I am right this minute. You of all people should know that Mummy. You have had me for two years, and I am not much bigger than I was when I was just a newborn babe. Yet, I did get somewhat bigger. I am not the size I was the first day I was on earth. Why, it's just like that little flower I picked for you today. A fortnight ago it was such a little thing - a small, closed up bud with tender new green leaves and soft delicate petals. Today it is in full bloom; the petals have opened up to the morning sunlight, soaking in every little drop it can get. But that will never happen to me.
Why, just imagine! - me looking like you, Mother. With my hair put up so delicately on my head, a big full skirt surrounding me, and to be as pretty as you, too. And with a family, children, a house of my own, in-laws, and food bills. Getting up early to take the children to the doctor, staying up late to read them a story, falling asleep right away without any daydreaming in bed...I do not believe I would be able to stand it.
I will never be as grown as you, and I will never be any older. Or will I? Can I escape it? Perhaps I am too young to fully know.
Mother? I shall never grow up, I SHALL remain this way forever. What a silly thought - that I should ever be any older than I am right this minute. You of all people should know that Mummy. You have had me for two years, and I am not much bigger than I was when I was just a newborn babe. Yet, I did get somewhat bigger. I am not the size I was the first day I was on earth. Why, it's just like that little flower I picked for you today. A fortnight ago it was such a little thing - a small, closed up bud with tender new green leaves and soft delicate petals. Today it is in full bloom; the petals have opened up to the morning sunlight, soaking in every little drop it can get. But that will never happen to me.
Why, just imagine! - me looking like you, Mother. With my hair put up so delicately on my head, a big full skirt surrounding me, and to be as pretty as you, too. And with a family, children, a house of my own, in-laws, and food bills. Getting up early to take the children to the doctor, staying up late to read them a story, falling asleep right away without any daydreaming in bed...I do not believe I would be able to stand it.
I will never be as grown as you, and I will never be any older. Or will I? Can I escape it? Perhaps I am too young to fully know.