After everyone says goodbye, Glinda takes Elphie more, to their own room. Elphie talks a lot about their day and how she had a great time. However, Glinda hears that Elphie still misses her mother very much. Elphie would rather have her mother than a life with her friends.

That night in bed. Glinda thinks Elphie is finally asleep. She hears a soft voice. "Glinda, do you think mommy misses me?"

"Yes, Elphie your mother misses you very much."

"Why hasn't she found me yet?" A sleeping voice sounds

"Because your mom doesn't know you're here."

"Then why don't we send a letter?"

''That is a good idea. We'll do that tomorrow."

''Really?''

"I want you to meet my mom, you are nice. If this feels like having friends, I don't want to lose you."

Glinda still watches Elphie sleeping peacefully with her Rabby. "We don't want to lose you either. The day after tomorrow you will be an adult again. Then you can continue with all your dreams. I know it will happen but never try to change. Your innocence is priceless.'' Glinda puts the blanket back over Elphie and kisses her on the forehead.

Glinda walks quietly to the bathroom. She tries to forget her worries. They have one day left to make sure the spell is broken. But it's still all so vague. What if it only works if Elphie knows the truth about her mother. Glinda will never let that happen. But on the other hand, she is sure she will be expelled from school if Madame Morrible finds out. It is strictly forbidden to cast a spell on other students unless it is done accidentally in class. Oz how could I have been so stupid, Glinda thinks, shaking her head. But on the other hand, she can already give Elphie the happiness and Elphie still believes it. ''Also remember that Nessa is changing. You have more powers in yourself than you think.'' Glinda says out loud to get over her insecurities. But a small voice gnaws at the back of her head.

The next morning, Glinda wakes up. She doesn't know when she fell asleep. She sees that her alarm clock could go off at any moment. She turns around again. She needs all the rest she can get. She immediately felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you awake?" Elphie asks softly.

Glinda turns with a sigh. This is the main reason why she does not want children yet. "Yes, I'm awake. You can come lie down with me."

Elphie immediately climbs into bed and snuggles into Glinda. Glinda looks with one eye. She sees that Elphie has been crying. She wraps her arms around the little girl. "Did you have a nightmare?" With one hand she takes a cloth to brush Elphie's nose. Another reason she doesn't want kids, they always have dirty faces and hands.

Elphie nods. "Can I go to mommy today?"

"I wish I could arrange that for you, but unfortunately you have to wait until tomorrow."

"But that will take a very, very long time."

"Maybe we'll do something really fun today that will make the time go faster."

''What are we going to do?''

''Can you keep a secret?''

Elphie looks expectant. She nods vigorously.

"We're going to the Emerald City?"

Elphie screams out. So loud that Glinda covers her ears.

''When are we going? Let's go now!''

Glinda laughs at Elphie's enthusiasm.

Elphie pulls on Glinda's arm. Glinda knocks out the alarm clock with her other arm. The two girls are ready in record time. Elphie keeps nagging that Glinda should hurry up. Glinda knows they will arrive at the station way too early. ''Shall we write the letter to your mother now?'' Glinda suggests buying time.

Elphie looks doubtful. "Mommy will come and get me soon before we go to the Emerald city."

''The letter has to go to Muchkinland first, then your mama has to read it and come to Muchkinland. Do you know how long that will take?"

Elphie shakes her head.

"Long." Glinda grabs the things and hands the pen to Elphie. Elphie looks surprised and returns the pen.

''Shall I write?'' Glinda suggests laughing.

Elphie nods. ''Dear mommy. I'm with Glinda on Shiz. Do you want to come get me? But not too fast, because today we are going to the Emerald city. Can you believe it? I miss you. Come quick.''

Glinda writes everything down neatly. Elphie reads the letter again and nods. Glinda takes an envelope and writes down Shiz's address. She doesn't want Elphie and Nessa to have to explain everything to their father. In addition, it now seems wiser to go along with Elphie's fantasy.

It is still too early to go to the station. Glinda fears that if Elphie walks now, she will be too tired when they get to the Emerald City. Elphie has short legs and has to work much harder to keep up with the adults. Glinda suddenly remembers something. "Do you know what day it is today?"

Elphie shakes her head.

''Today it's Sunday. It's Nessa's birthday on this day."

Elphie's eyes widen. ''Wow''

"Maybe you could draw a birthday card."

Elphie doubts.

"We'll be in time for the train to Emerald City."

Elphie nods. She draws quickly.

Glinda looks over her shoulder.

''finished'' Elphie is about to jump off the chair, but Glinda stops her

Glinda rolls her eyes. ''Elphie sweetie. It must be a beautiful drawing. This is just a drawing of Nessa.''

Elphie looks dejected.

"Come on, you want to make Nessa happy on this day."

Elphie grabs Rabby and presses the stuffed toy against her. "Do I have to?" she pouts.

Glinda sits down next to her. "Shall we make one together? I'll write something on it too"

Elphie nods enthusiastically.

Glinda makes a mental note that next time she can set the alarm much later. She had no idea how much time she would spend with Elphie in the morning. Now I know. thinks Glinda.

Glinda looks at the clock. They still have time.

Elphie looks at her impatiently.

Glinda doesn't know how to entertain an impatient child in a public space fraught with danger. Moreover, she does not know how people react when they see her with a green child.

"Elphie sweetheart, we don't have to leave for another 20 minutes, do you want to make some more drawings?"

Elphie shakes her head.

"What do you want to do then?"

Elphie looks around the room. She sees the brush lying on Glinda's desk. She jumps off the chair and picks up the brush.

Glinda looks confused. "Do you want me to brush your hair?"

Elphie nods. "Mommy does that too, if we have to wait. Mommy likes it and says I'm calm."

"Do you like it too?"

Elphie nods.

Glinda removes the pins from Elphies hair. Glinda starts brushing and slowly she starts to braid and fasten Elphie's hair in different ways. She has to admit that Elphie sits quietly and seems to enjoy the touch. She thinks it's strange, because the adult Elphaba doesn't like it at all when Glinda touches her hair. When Glinda looks at the clock, she sees that they have to go quickly, or they will be late. She puts two small braids on Elphie's head and let's go of the rest of the hair.

Glinda helps Elphie put on the shoes. She quickly grabs her bag and walks out the door with Elphie.

Together they first walk to a mailbox. Elphie puts the letter for her mother through the slot of the mailbox.

"Do you think Mommy will receive the letter?"

Glinda nods. ''I'm sure.''

They rush to the station, where Nessa and the boys are already waiting. Elphie shyly gives the card to Nessa. ''Congratulations''. She shakes Nessa's hand.

"Thank you Elphaba."

Glinda kisses Nessa on the cheek. ''Happy birthday.''

"I'm going to the Emerald City for my birthday, it couldn't be better."

They all walk to their cabin. When the train starts moving, Elphie presses her nose against the window. The boys pick up breakfast, because Fiyero is hungry. Soon they are eating. Glinda cleans Elphie's hands and face, who presses back against the window.

"Elphie, you shouldn't do that. That's dirty.'' Nessa says sternly when she sees Elphie touching the window with her tongue.

Elphie looks down disappointed. She wobbles with her legs.

"Didn't you bring anything to keep you busy? Fiyero asks surprised.

"I honestly forgot."

Boq takes a deep breath.

"I'm sorry," says Glinda indignantly. "It's not like I'm expert at motherhood. Usually, my mother or my aunts take care of the children and I can play with them if they are good."

"We don't blame you either." says Fiyero quickly, catching Elphie's concerned look,

Glinda sits down with a sigh. "Sorry, I've got a lot on my mind.'' She takes Elphie's hand. "Sorry, I'm not mad. I am frustrated."

Elphie says nothing and looks outside again. "When are we there?"

"We've got another hour."

"Is that long?"

"Yes, I think so." says Fiyero with a shrug.

"Come on," Glinda says as she stands up and extends her hand to Elphie. "We're going for a walk on the train. Maybe we'll come across something."

Elphie nods approvingly. They go all the way to the front where the restaurant is. Elphie has to go to the toilet. All in all, they are half an hour away. When they get back, they see Boq and Fiyero sleeping. Elphie looks curiously outside again.

"Have you ever been further than Muchkinland?" Glinda asks.

Elphie shakes her head. "Everything looks different."

Nessa nods. "It sure is beautiful."

All three look outside and enjoy the peace.

Glinda takes Elphie's hand firmly. It is very busy at the Emerald city station. There are people everywhere trying to sell something. They follow Fiyero who runs way too fast for Elphie. Elphie runs after almost everyone. She just wants to enjoy the beautiful view the city has to offer.

''Fiyero, walk a little slower.'' Boq says who tries to push Nessa through the crowd, but which is not possible because of the crowd.

"Oooh yes," says Fiyero sheepishly. ''Normally I have to walk a lot faster to avoid all photographers. I forgot I'm here for my pleasure.''

Panting, Glinda comes over. ''Fiyero'' Gasp. ''Could'' gasp ''you.'' gasp. Walk'' gasp. ''Slower.''

Elphie nods as she looks around. Fiyero adjusts his pace and shows many sights. First of all, they buy glasses with green lenses for everyone. Not only Elphie is impressed, but the others are also impressed by the impressive buildings, the many street shows and many lamps in the Emerals City.

''Can we finally eat now?'' Elphie asks Glinda for the umpteenth time.

"Fiyero?" Glinda asks.

"I've been hungry for a long time. I know a nice place.'' He holds out his hand to Elphie.

''Can you lift me up?'' Elphie asks very sweetly.

Fiyero lifts Elphie. She immediately starts whispering in his ear for an ice cream.

Fiyero shakes his head. because he sees Glinda shaking her head.

Elphie pouts.

"Maybe later." Fiyero whisperrs.

Elphie kisses Fiyero on the cheek.

"Can it be after lunch?" she asks very sweetly.

This time, Fiyero sees that Glinda is not around.

''Naturally. You can have three scoops of ice cream with a topping.''

Elphie hugs Fiyero tightly and kisses him firmly. "You are the sweetest and smartest and best Fiyero I know."

"Say that again when you're an adult."

Elphie nods seriously. They buy a sandwich at a store. They eat the sandwich in the park. Fiyero makes an excuse and returns with five trays full of ice cream.

Elphie giggles with pleasure and immediately runs to Fiyero when she sees him. Glinda is shocked and wants to correct Elphie. But then she looks furiously at Fiyero. ''She just finished her lunch. Why are you giving her an ice cream? If she gets sick, it's your fault."

Fiyero shrugs. "I have one too." Fiyero hands out the other trays to Boq and Nessa.

''Sorry, Glinda, but the ice creams are very tasty.'' Boq says while taking a bite.

''You should try it too.'' Elphie says with a full mouth to Nessa.

Glinda looks around the group in dismay. She actually wants to go even further in the discussion, but Elphie's hopeful eyes make her heart melt. "Give me a bowl."

Elphie smiles from ear to ear.

"You can't say no to her," Fiyero says playfully, wiggling his eyebrows.

Glinda elbows Fiyero. ''No, I cannot. but neither do you." She puts Elphie on Nessa's lap, so they can continue exploring the city, while eating ice cream.

They play together in the park. Everyone noticed that no one commented on Elphie's skin.

''Listen.'' Fiyero says to Elphie when they get to the library. "When you grow up again, you can go to the library too."

Elphie's eyes widen. ''Really and truly?''

Fiyero nods.

"I can't wait until I'm old enough. Then I go to the Emerald City for days. Everything is green, and nice and big. I cannot wait.''

Everyone is waiting for something to happen that will make Elphie big again, but nothing happens.

"I'm taking my mommy and my sister with me. Maybe dad too, if he can get away from work. I cannot wait,''

''Sister?" Nessa asks confused. "You wanted a brother, didn't you?"

Elphie looks shyly at the ground. "You and Glinda are very nice. Maybe my sister will be nice too."

''Aren't we nice then?'' Fiyero asks indignantly.

Elphie's eyes widen. "You're nice too. I want a little brother and a sister," she says quickly.

"Poor Melelna," Boq mumbles.

Everyone looks at him in surprise.

Boq blushes. "Women already complain when they have one child in the womb. How much should they complain if they have two."

"Mommy complains a lot." Elphie says thoughtfully. ''Maybe I'll have a brother and a sister.'' she says enthusiastically.

Everyone starts laughing.

''Thank you for this day.'' Elphie hugs everyone's legs.

Everyone takes turns waiting for Elphie's hug. The feelings are mixed. They are happy that Elphie is having such a nice day. But they are disappointed that the spell has not been broken yet.

''Shall we go to the apartment before we go back to Shiz?'' Glinda suggests.

''How so? If we go now, we'll catch the train back. We'll be back sooner."

"Maybe, but Elphie should get some sleep before we go back?"

''She can also sleep on the train. We have done that too."

"Yeah, we heard that," Nessa mutters.

"I don't need to sleep." Elphie says, crossing her arms and trying to suppress a yawn.

"I agree with the other Glin," says Fiyero. "Maybe we can come up with another plan when we get back. In addition, they now have afternoon snacks on the train, and they are very tasty."

Glinda rolls her eyes. "Can't you even think about food?"

Fiyero thinks. ''No.''

Elphie giggles.

They all walk back to the station. When they walk into the station, Elphie turns around. Someday I'll be back. Then all of Oz knows my name. she thinks determinedly.

Glinda touches Elphie on the shoulder. Elphie turns and smiles. She takes Glinda's hand and walks towards the train. The train hadn't left the station yet and Elphie was already sleeping against Fiyero. Boq, Nessa and Glinda talk calmly about the situation.

"I really thought Elphie would change back. She still longs to go to the city.'' Boq says while rubbing his face.

"Yes, but she wants to go with her mother. Her desire for her mother is greater."

Nessa sighs. ''What should we do now?''

Glinda looks out the window. "Nothing." she says softly. "We'll tell Madame Morrible tomorrow. Hopefully she can do a counter spell."

"Tell me again why the other students can't."

"Because it has to be done by someone stronger than the one who cast the spell. I'm not the strongest witch. But in class only Madame Morrible and Elphie are stronger."

"That sucks," says Nessa. ''I mean. It's good that you're good, but it sucks in this situation.'' she stammers.

Glinda raises her hand. ''I understand.''

''Can't we really tell her about her mother?'' Boq suggests carefully.

Glinda shakes her head vigorously. "No, it's too late for that now and no. I'm not going to put her through the pain again. She wouldn't believe it. The poor kid has been through enough already.''

Boq glances at Nessa and then at Glinda. "Okay, if that's what you want."

Glinda nods.

"Do you really think Madame Morrible is going to kick you out?"

Glinda shrugs. ''I think so. I mean it is forbidden to cast a spell on someone without that person's consent. Besides, Madame Morrible doesn't like me."

"Maybe it won't be too bad, and she can laugh about it." Nessa tries.

Glinda gives a small smile. ''Let's hope so.''

''What do you remember about the night you said the spell?'' Boq tries.

''No idea. I was sleeping.''

"Maybe it will work if we're all gone?"

Glinda smiles. "I don't think it works that way."

''Why not? She has said she looks forward to being an adult. Maybe it works."

Glinda sighs and looks at Nessa who shrugs. "It's worth trying."

Elphie presses even harder against Fiyero who puts his arm around Elphie.

"Shall we get some food then?" says Glinda. "Those two must be disappointed if they haven't had their midday snack."

I don't understand how they can eat so much. Especially Elphie. She's so small." says Boq.

The others laugh. They walk away. When they come back with more cakes than they can eat, they still see a three-year oud Elphie.

"It was worth trying." Glinda says to give Boq some courage.

When they are almost to Shiz, Elphie wakes up. ''Mommy?''

"No honey, you're still with us." Glinda says softly.

She rubs her eyes and looks cheerfully outside. "Could mommy have received the letter and is waiting for me?" she asks enthusiastically.

"I don't think so," says Glinda

Elphie looks disappointed. She becomes a little happier when she gets a piece of cake from Boq. With joy she eats a few pieces of cake, until Nessa says it is enough. ''If you eat too much you will get sick and you still have to eat dinner." She says in a friendlier tone.

Once with Shiz, the friends part ways. "We will meet early in the morning. Maybe we can come up with something."

Glinda gives everyone a hug.

''It's not goodbye,'' says Fiyero sternly.

Glinda smiles faintly. ''Of course not.''

Fiyero gets down on his knees and hugs Elphie. "Be nice to Glinda. She's having a bit of a hard time."

Elphie looks confused. But nods anyway. She follows Glinda obediently.

''Shall we go to the park to play?'' Glinda asks when they are almost at the building.

Elphie nods happily. They still play together in the playground. Since everyone looks confused and scared at Elphie, Glinda decides to play along with Elphie. They go down the slide together. Glinda pushes Elphie on the swing for a long time. Elphie howls with laughter. She makes a big sandcastle on her own, because Glinda refuses to play in the sand.

When Glinda checks her watch, they go back to their room. Glinda bathes Elphie first. Only when she is sure that Elphie is not drowning in the bath does she quickly run to the cafeteria to get some food. Glinda helps Elphie put on her pyjamas. Elphie is completely happy that she can eat in her pyjamas, because her father never allows it.

Glinda gets into bed with Elphie and reads another story. Elphie tells a lot about her cuddly toy.

"Elphie, sweetie. I have to tell you something." Glinda says seriously.

Elphie immediately looks serious.

"Tomorrow everything will be different from the past few days. We're going to have breakfast with our friends and then we're going to Madame Morrible."

"Who is Madame Morrible?"

That's our sorceress teacher."

Elphie nods seriously. "Why are we going to her?"

"So, she can bring you home."

Elphie looks very happy. ''Really? How? I can introduce you to mommy. And tell everything to mommy. She will be very happy."

Glinda hugs Elphie. ''I think so too. But after you see Madame Morrible, at least you won't see me again."

Elphie immediately breaks free. ''How so? I can come visit or you can come to me. Mommy wouldn't mind."

Glinda gets tears in her eyes. She shakes her head.

Elphie gets angry. "No, I'm going to see you again. I want to see you again."

Glinda takes Elphie back into a hug. "I'm going to miss you so much too. You're a great friend."

"But I don't want to lose you. You are sweet, Fiyero is funny, Boq is smart, and Nessa is nice.'' Elphie says with a broken voice.

''That's very sweet dear, but I made a mistake and now I have to experience the consequences. Actions have consequences.''

''But you can learn from mistakes. You don't have to be punished. I'll take the punishment.'' says Elphie quickly. ''I do not want to lose you.''

''Darling. Not everything that happens in your life is your fault. You don't have everything in your hands."

Elphie shakes her head. ''I do not want to lose you.''

"You won't lose me. I'll always be here.'' Glinda puts her hand where Elphie's heart is. "And I'll always be here." Glinda taps her own head. "You have also been thinking about your mummy all the time and you have felt her. From tomorrow I will be."

"I really can't ever see you again."

Glinda bites her lip. "Maybe we'll see each other in the future."

''I can't wait for the future.'' Elphie says a lot relieved. "But it's not fair."

Glinda kisses Elphie on the forehead. "It certainly isn't."

''What if I never make such sweet friends again?'' Elphie asks uncertainly while she continues to hold Glinda's hand.

"You'll make new friends later when you're older. You have a big heart."

''I don't want new friends I want you and Nessa and Yero en Boq and this doll and Rabby. The same friends.'' says Elphie stubbornly.

"Try to get some sleep and enjoy the morning."

Elphie shakes her head. ''I do not want to sleep. I want to stay with you."

"I'll stay in bed until you fall in sleep."

''I won't sleep.'' says Elphie while it is obvious that sleep will win. Her eyes often close.

Glinda stays still and strokes her hair. ''We will always be friends Elphie.'' Glinda says. She begins to softly sing the song Nessa sang the day before. She watches as she sees Elphie fall asleep.

Glinda breaks away from Elphie. She puts Rabby with Elphie. She goes to the bathroom and gets herself ready to go to sleep. She knows the consequences of her actions and stands by them wholeheartedly. She goes to her own bed and eventually falls into a restless sleep.