Many years later….
Gothel felt a cold breeze on her skin as she turned in bed. Rapunzel must have let that window open, staring at those "floating lights" as she called them. Sighing, she pulled herself up from the bed and to the window. A harsh breeze blew in, and something wet hit her arm. She looked at it, and it soaked into her skin. A snowflake. It was winter already?
Gothel looked up, and noticed plenty of snow was on the ground. The trees were covered in little patches of the glowing frozen liquid. She shivered as the snow blew harder. Just as she was about to close the breeze out, a sleepy Rapunzel came downstairs. " M-mother?" she yawned, " What are you doing up this late?". Gothel sighed. " You left the window open dear, and it's winter. It was letting a draft in. Haven't I told you to double check to make sure the window is closed?" Gothel replied, finally closing it.
Rapunzel nodded, with a slight frown. " I'm sorry mother." she apologized. Gothel smiled lightly. " You are forgiven, just don't do it again alright?" Gothel said, and then Rapunzel walked past her. She opened the window, and stared at the falling snow. Sure her skin was cold, but nights like these fascinated her. The wind blowing as if it were whispering to her, snow lingering on her skin, and the gentle cold chill she got from it, she loved it.
Gothel stared, confused at first. " Darling? Why is the window still open?" she asked. Rapunzel sighed. " I just like this. If only I could be out there, I would love it." she told her dreamily. Gothel frowned. " Darling, it's dangerous outside of this tower. Haven't I told you?" she sighed, not wanting to talk about this right now.
" But it's not like it could hurt me. It's just snow." Rapunzel tried to reason. Gothel suddenly remembered why she hated winter. Pando- don't say it! Pandora! Her face turned white, and she once again closed the window. " My flower, that snow may seem as harmless as possible. But beneath it's white sheets can hold dangerous things that would easily trick you." she told her, in a firm tone. Rapunzel sighed, knowing it wasn't worth a try.
" I know mother, I just wish someday I could go outside." Rapunzel explained. Gothel hugged her gently. " It is almost midnight, we need to get to sleep." she reminded, trying to change the subject. To Gothel's surprise, Rapunzel didn't object. She yawned once more, and started off to her room. " Goodnight my flower." she called, and she went over to the window. She opened it, looking out. As she was nearly passed out at the scenery, she heard the tap of a piano key.
She jumped and looked over at it. No one was there, and nothing was there. It had been a while since Gothel had played, so she couldn't resist. Yes, it was midnight, but she didn't care. She sat on the bench, and gently tapped a key. The one that started her song.
Not her song, Pandora's song.
As she continued to play, she had memories flashing in her mind. She knelt on the floor, pulling open the bench. She searched through some items, and there it was. Pandora's necklace. She heavily sighed as she looked at the memory. And then there was Pandora's photo, which almost caused her to burst in tears. But Rapunzel would hear, and she couldn't let that happen. She placed the necklace on the floor, and then put the photo down. Carefully, she closed the bench and picked the necklace up.
Gothel looked at it, her eyes now brimming with tears. " I'm not going to forget you Pandora, though you probably aren't proud of me. Please at least let me hold this as a memory.." she whimpered. As she held the necklace tightly in her hand, she felt a breeze. Quickly, she grabbed the photo so it wouldn't blow away. " I left the window open.." she reminded herself, and went to close it.
As morning approached, Gothel had fallen asleep. Rapunzel was doing her usual chores when Gothel awoke, happy to see her. She simply watched Rapunzel, not wanting to disturb her. She knew how Rapunzel longed to go outside. But she wouldn't let this happen. After what had happened to Pandora, she'd rather it be herself than Rapunzel. " I love you darling." she said, making Rapunzel jump. She realized it was Gothel. " I love you more." she said in return, walking over to her.
She gently placed a kiss on Rapunzel's head.
" I love you most."
Author's Note: I have finished the story, and I really thought this was a nice way to end it. My theory on why Rapunzel wasn't allowed out, and if Gothel really cared for her. Please read and review.
I hope you enjoyed!