| Children Fiction posted January 10, 2025 |
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Mirror in the Attic - 4
The Glow Berry Adventure
by Begin Again
Jordan and Quinn dropped their backpacks near the front door as Grandma called from the kitchen, "Good morning, children."
Jordan cheerfully answered, "Good morning, Grandma. Mom said to say hello and thanks for watching us this summer."
Grandma appeared in the doorway, absent-mindedly brushing crumbs from her apron. "I've left fresh pastries and milk on the counter." She smiled and rolled her eyes as Quinn raced toward the kitchen.
"Sorry, Grandma. He hears the mention of food, and it's like a magnet."
"Growing boys!" She reached out her weathered hand and touched Jordan's cheek. "We can't expect them to be as pretty as the girls."
Jordan blushed, but her eyes twinkled with joy. "Thanks, Grandma."
"I'll be at the community garden all morning for Coop Gardening Day! You two find something to keep yourselves busy. If you need me, I'm just across the street."
"Don't worry, Grandma! We might play a board game," Jordan said with a grin.
Quinn returned with half of a pastry in his hand and the other in his mouth, mumbling, "Or maybe I'll finish reading that Civil War book." His eyes flicked to Jordan, who gave him a knowing look.
Grandma nodded her approval as she headed out the door with her gardening gloves tucked under her arm.
As soon as the door closed, Quinn held up a small bag stuffed with snacks. "I grabbed some crackers, cheese, and two apples," he muttered. "You never know how long we'll be gone."
Jordan rolled her eyes. "You act like we're trekking across the world."
"Better safe than sorry," Quinn replied with a shrug.
Jordan looked out the window and saw her grandma already talking to a group of friends. "Okay, we're good to go," she said.
She led the way up the creaky attic stairs with Quinn close behind. Once in the attic, they sat cross-legged on the floor, staring at the mirror. The room was quiet except for the faint moan of the old house settling.
Jordan held the Mirror Key in her hand. It shimmered under the dim attic light. "Are you ready for this?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.
Quinn hesitated, his gaze flicking between the mirror and the pendant. He set the bag of snacks beside him. "I think I am."
Jordan smirked. "Come on, Quinn. It's going to be fun!"
She reached for the mirror but paused, glancing at Quinn. "The Guardian said we both have to agree," she reminded him.
Quinn fidgeted, clearly torn. "What if something goes wrong?"
"Nothing will go wrong," Jordan said firmly. "Just put your hand on the mirror. Come on, Quinn, unless you want to read that Civil War book."
Quinn wrinkled his nose and shook his head at his sister. "No way!" After a moment's hesitation, he sighed. "Fine, but if anything weird happens, we're coming straight back. Promise?"
Jordan held out her hand. "Pinky promise."
The twins locked their fingers together and squeezed.
Then, Quinn placed his hand on the mirror alongside Jordan's, and together, they pressed against the cool, shimmering surface. A ripple spread across the mirror like a stone dropped into water, and a soft glow embraced them. In an instant, they were standing back in the Forest of Wonder, the golden leaves of the Guardian's tree shimmering in the distance.
Lyria fluttered up to them, her wings leaving a sparkling trail. "Welcome back! The Guardian hoped you would return today."
Jordan grinned. "Of course we did. So, what's next?"
The fairy's tiny face lit up. "There's a problem in the Forest Glade. The Glow Berries have gone missing; without them, the forest will grow dark tonight."
"Glow berries?" Quinn asked, his curiosity piqued as thoughts of fruit flashed through his mind.
"They're magical fruits that light up the forest," Lyria explained. "They grow in the glade, but something or someone has taken them."
Quinn's stomach growled loudly. He rummaged through his bag and pulled out an apple, biting into it with a loud crunch.
Jordan and Lyria both giggled.
"What?" Quinn said through a mouthful of apple. "A boy needs to keep his strength up if he's going to explore, right?"
Jordan rolled her eyes at her brother and asked Lyria, "How can we help?"
Lyria's wings fluttered, and she shouted, "Follow me!"
She zipped ahead, leading the children down a winding path surrounded by glowing flowers and towering trees. The air was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and chirping creatures. As they approached the glade, the soft hum of the forest grew quieter, and the light dimmed.
When they stepped into the clearing, Jordan gasped. Instead of lush trees like the rest of the forest, these trees stood bare, their branches reaching out like empty hands. Scattered leaves glowed faintly on the ground, but the Glow Berries were nowhere to be seen.
"The trees look so sad," Quinn asked, inspecting the branches. "Where did the berries go?"
Lyria pointed toward a trail of tiny footprints leading away from the glade. "Look! Those weren't there earlier when I checked."
"Let's follow them," Jordan said, already moving toward the trail.
Quinn hesitated. "What if it's something dangerous?"
With her hands on her hips, Jordan glared at her brother. "It's probably just some forest animal. Come on, scaredy-cat."
Grumbling, Quinn followed as Lyria flew ahead, lighting the way. A rustling sound to his right made him freeze. His heart raced as he tugged on Jordan's sleeve. "Wait! I think I saw something. It looked — big."
Jordan stopped, turning to him with an exasperated sigh. "Quinn, it's probably just a squirrel or something."
"It wasn't a squirrel! It was huge! What if it's dangerous?" Quinn whispered, clutching her arm.
Lyria fluttered back toward them, her lantern-like glow casting soft light across the trees. "Where? Show me!"
Quinn hesitated, then pointed toward a shadowy figure half-hidden in the underbrush. The tiny fairy flew closer, her light illuminating the "creature." She burst into musical giggles. "Oh, Quinn, that's not a creature. It's just a mossy old rock!"
Jordan doubled over, laughing. "A rock? You were afraid of a rock?"
Quinn's face turned red as he crossed his arms. "It looked like it was moving, okay?"
Lyria smiled kindly. "The forest can play tricks sometimes, especially if you're not used to it. But don't worry — I'll make sure nothing sneaks up on us."
The footprints led deeper into the forest, where the trees grew thicker and the light dimmer. Soon, they heard faint sounds — like singing — off-key. It was coming from behind a large clump of trees near the river bank.
"What was that?" Quinn whispered, clutching Jordan's arm.
Before she could answer, a tiny figure darted out from behind a tree. It was a sprite, no taller than a large rabbit, with silvery hair and mischievous blue eyes. It carried a cluster of glowing berries in its arms, their light spilling through its fingers.
"Hey!" Jordan shouted. "Stop! Those are Glow Berries! Give them back!"
The sprite stuck out its tongue and giggled before darting away.
"After him!" Lyria shouted, flying ahead.
Jordan and Quinn ran as fast as they could, weaving between trees and jumping over roots. The sprite was quick, but Lyria's glowing trail helped them keep up. He skipped across the water, almost tip-toeing from one stone to another. Finally, the sprite stopped in a small clearing near a tiny cottage with a workshop. He dropped the berries into a pile with others he had already gathered.
Jordan stepped forward, hands on her hips. "Why did you take the Glow Berries? The forest needs them!"
The sprite crossed its arms, its mischievous grin fading. "Well, I need them, too! I want to make necklaces," he said in a tiny, tinkling voice. "They're so pretty."
Lyria fluttered forward, her wings glowing brighter. "Necklaces?"
"Yes, necklaces for the upcoming sprite parade. There will be a full moon, and the berries will make everything shine."
Lyria flew high into the sky while considering how to get the Glow Berries back. Finally, her tiny body glimmered, and she settled on Jordan's shoulder, announcing, "I've got a plan."
The indignant sprite stood in front of the berries, his arms crossed. "And so do I. I've already promised them to the others."
Lyria tapped her tiny chin and then smiled. "If you're willing to return the Glow Berries, I can help all of us." She waved her little hands, and with a soft burst of light, a bush sprouted nearby, its branches heavy with sparkling berries in every color of the rainbow.
The children's eyes widened at the beautiful sight. Quinn's mouth dropped wide open. "Wow!"
"These berries aren't magical like the Glow Berries," Lyria explained, "but they're perfect for making necklaces. I can make them glow. The bush is yours if you help return the Glow Berries to the glade."
The sprite's blue eyes widened. "Really? They're beautiful!" He admired the bush. "And just the right size." His ears drooped, and he glanced at the pile of Glow Berries. "I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I'll give them back."
"Then help us put them back," Jordan said gently. "You can make something else pretty, but the Glow Berries belong in the glade."
After a moment of hesitation, the sprite nodded. Together, the children, the sprite, and Lyria carried the Glow Berries back to the glade. The sprite worked quickly and eagerly, helping the children hang each glowing fruit on the bare branches.
Jordan and Quinn, with the sprite's guidance, even picked a basket of colorful berries from the new bush to leave in the glade for other creatures who might need them.
As they placed the last of the Glow Berries, the glade lit up with a warm, golden glow, and the forest hummed with life again. The sprite held its basket of sparkling berries close, its smile wide.
The Guardian's voice echoed softly through the trees. "Well done, children. You have restored balance to the forest with kindness and understanding."
Lyria clapped her tiny hands. "I knew you could do it!"
Jordan turned to the sprite. "See? The glade looks beautiful again."
The sprite smiled, its blue eyes twinkling. "Thank you for helping me make it right."
The Mirror Key glowed as the children stepped back from the glade. Lyria fluttered close. "Time to head home. But don't worry — the forest will be waiting when you return."
Jordan and Quinn held the key together, and in a flash of light, they were back in the attic, the mirror standing silent and still.
Quinn let out a breath. "That was — kind of amazing."
Jordan grinned. "Kind of? It was awesome! And we're definitely going back tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Quinn murmured. And then, he smiled at his sister, adding, "Sure, why not!"
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