Rini could remember a warm summer day when she had taken Lena to the carnival. Balloons, food, rides and games were everywhere. Lena held tightly to Rini's hand and watched in awe as Rini navigated through the crowds.
Rini sat with her on the little rollercoaster, and then rode the musical merry-go-round, then the bumper cars.
"Lena, do you want some cotton candy?" Rini asked the little girl. Lena smiled brightly and nodded as Rini picked her up so she could pick a color and watch it being made.
Lena smiled as she followed Rini, but when the crowd separated them she got scared. She walked around, calling for Rini, but couldn't find her among the stalls and rides.
A couple of older kids noticed her by herself and surrounded her. Hard faced boys, smoking cigarettes and drinking beer.
"Hey Palace brat" Said one fat boy as he took her cotton candy "Where's your mommy?" He taunted.
"Give it! That's mine!" Lena protested as she tried to get her cotton candy back. The boys laughed, but before he could shove her Rini showed up, seething.
"Don't dream of it" she snapped at him in full princess mode. Her blazed fury at them then softened for Lena.
"Rini! I was so scared" Lena said climbing into Rini's arms. The boys snuck away before the crown princess could recognize them and call the police.
Rini, now carrying Lena, took her up on the Ferris wheel.
"I'm sorry you got lost Lena" Rini said as the little girl looked out the window, her pink honey locks flowing.
"It's ok Rini, I know it was an accident." After a few rides Rini won Lena a stuffed bunny. She carried Lena home and helped her undress. Lena climbed into Rini's bed, too tired to make it to her own. She curled into Rini and muttered goodnight.
It was a sweet memory, but Rini never let herself forget the fact that she lost Lena. Now she had lost her again.