Amber wandered the castle. It was the middle of the night but she just couldn't sleep. It usually was this way when this particular day arrived. She wondered if she ever would be able to sleep thru a whole night leading up to this day but she doubted it. It hurt to much and it simply was the pain that kept her awake at night. Tears never stopped streaming down her face but no one was going to see her at this time so she didn't care. She wanted to go outside, to a little pond in the far west corner of the gardens but she didn't bring her coat and walking outside in just her nightgown was just out of the question. She turned around and walked back the way she came. She didn't know where to go that wouldn't hurt so much.

- Sweetheart?

Amber swung around, heart in her throat but when she saw it just was Miranda, she immediately calmed down.

- I didn't mean to scare you sweetie, Miranda said.

- I know, it's ok, Amber answered.

- Why are you up at this hour?

Amber looked down and held back the lump in her throat and the burning tears that threatened to fall.

- I- I can't. . ., the girl whispered.

- Why not?

- Because it is going to make you sad.

- Why is that?

- Because. . . Because. . .

Amber shut her eyes and felt tears streaming down her face. She couldn't say it, it would just hurt her stepmother. She opened her eyes again and looked up and met Miranda's calming blue eyes.

- I miss mommy, she whispered as her head fell again.

She didn't dare to look up again and see that her words had made her stepmother sad. So imagine her surprise when she felt Miranda's arms around her.

- You have no reason to feel guilty about missing your mother, I mean, after all she is your mother and she is always going to be with you so remember her how much you like, I know this time of year is difficult for you but you are entitled to mourn as much as you need and I will be here for you, whatever if it is because you miss your mother or are crying of anger because James played a prank on you.

Amber looked up at her stepmother and smiled then she threw her arms around her neck and smiled while the last tears fell from her eyes.

- Thanks mom, the young princess whispered.

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