Rapunzel, almost twelve now, was painting in Mother Gothel's room. She had wanted to do something special for Mother's birthday, which was coming up soon, for a long time. Today, Mother would be gone for almost the whole day, and that gave Rapunzel a chance to paint.
She knew her mother didn't exactly approve of her going into Mother's room, but since this was for something special, she hoped she wouldn't be in trouble this time.
She carefully pulled the paintbrush out of the red paint. After a few delicate strokes, the red dress was done. She mixed some paints to make a lovely peach color, and painted a head connected to the dress. Then she dipped the brush into the black paint and painted hair onto the head. Now she was finished. But there was something missing. What was it? She had painted Mother. Ah, that was it. She dipped the paintbrush into the purple paint. Mother was always by Rapunzel's side. It wouldn't be right just to paint Mother.
After painting the long yellow locks onto the new painting of herself, she stood back and surveyed the picture. No, that wasn't quite right. Her hair wasn't long enough. After a moment's consideration, Rapunzel decided to paint a long line of yellow all around the room. She started from the bottom of the painted hair, then walked along the edge of the room, painting, until she had reached the other side of her painted self. There, that was perfect, and tomorrow was Mother's birthday. She put away her paints and left the room.
It was nearing dark when Mother called. Rapunzel raced to the window and pulled her up. Mother gave her a big hug.
"How did you manage today all day without me?" asked Mother Gothel.
Rapunzel smiled. "I managed," she said.
Mother asked Rapunzel to sing, and she did. Afterwards, Mother Gothel said it was getting late, and that they should get to bed.
Rapunzel nodded, and went to her room. Since it was dark, she hoped Mother wouldn't see her surprise. It was hard to sleep that night, but Rapunzel finally was able to fall asleep.
The next morning, Rapunzel woke up at seven. She began baking a pie, then put together a puzzle while she waited. Soon the pie was finished, and Rapunzel set it on the table to cool. She finished the puzzle, then heard her mother.
"Rapunzel, what is this on the wall?" her mother called.
Rapunzel ran to her mother's room. "Happy birthday, Mother," she said.
"Did you paint this?" asked Mother Gothel.
Rapunzel nodded. "I did it yesterday while you were away. Do you like it?"
Mother Gothel smiled. "I do like it," she said. "Thank you, Flower."
Rapunzel was beaming.
"You are the sweetest thing," Mother Gothel said. "I love you."
"I love you more," Rapunzel replied.
"I love you most," Mother Gothel said, pulling her close.
"Happy birthday, Mother," Rapunzel whispered. She was kneeling on her bed, looking at the painting she had finished. She had pulled back the curtain and had painted a picture of Mother Gothel and herself with the long blonde hair she used to have. Her painting skills had improved since she was eleven, and she was surprised at how realistic the picture looked. She could almost imagine the painting coming to life. Oh, how she wished it could.
It was Mother's birthday today, Rapunzel hadn't forgotten. She would never forget. Tears came to her eyes again. She would always remember Mother's birthday, but she would never celebrate it with Mother again.
She heard the doorknob turn and quickly shut the curtain, then sat down on the bed before the door opened and the queen walked in.
"Rapunzel, there you are," the queen said.
Rapunzel looked at the queen. She squinted her eyes and could almost imagine the red dress, the black hair. Tears began to come to her eyes.
"Are you okay?" asked the queen.
The illusion was shattered. Rapunzel put her head in her hands. The queen sat down next to her and put an arm around her shoulder.
"What's wrong?" asked the queen.
Rapunzel shook her head.
"Rapunzel, you're sadder today than usual," the queen pressed. "What's wrong, tell me."
Rapunzel was trapped. She didn't want the queen to know about Mother Gothel's birthday, but she had to tell her.
"It's Mother's birthday," Rapunzel said quietly.
"Oh," the queen said. After a moment, she said, "I wish you wouldn't call her that."
Rapunzel frowned.
"Do you want to talk about it?" asked the queen.
Rapunzel shook her head.
They sat there in silence. After a long time, the queen sighed and said, "I hope you know I love you."
"I love you more," replied Rapunzel.
The queen stood up. She kissed the top of Rapunzel's forehead, then left the room.
It wasn't finished. Rapunzel wished the queen would say the last part, but until then, the only one who loved her most… was gone.
After a while, Rapunzel tearfully said, "Who loves me most now?"
She hugged herself, crying, and tried to recreate the warmth she had felt so many times before in the embrace of Mother Gothel.