It was the eve of celebration; the sky brimmed with clouds that looked like cotton candy spun from white and grey. It was as if the sky had gone trick-o-treating, offering a sack of sweets above. Those clouds cloaked the land in gentle shadow, yet a shy hint of light slipped through, turning the snow into a sea of silver glow. Lights twinkle from the windows like tiny stars, and chimneys exhale warm smoke into the winter air, softening the night with a breath of home.
Families gathered together, celebrating under the hush winter–sharing stories, laughter, and warmth, leaving behind all feuds, fights, and forgotten tears. As if the falling snow were moon dust, drifting down to bless the land with spirits of kindness and peace.
Among all the families gathered in warmth and joy, there was one that stood apart–beloved by the moon gods themselves. Perhaps that was why they were called the Darlings, for even their name carried the whisper of something sacred, something chosen.
But even among the Darlings, there was one they adored beyond all–their dearest Darling, Wendy, the firstborn daughter. Ohh, she seemed carved by the moon goddess herself. Her face carried the gentle radiance of the moonlight, her eyes shimmered like a still blue lagoon, her hair flowed like strands of spun gold, and her lips soft as sunset tinged in rose. A beauty rare among humans, enough to stir envy even among the fairies.
But tonight, those moonlit features were touched by a different glow–her cheeks flushed rosy, red, not from the cold, but from quiet frustration. Wendy was upset. Mother and Father were taking the boys on a journey, and once again, she wasn't invited. Though she enjoyed the warm company of her grandmother, she longed to go on a trip with her parents–just like the boys. Just once, she wanted to be chosen too.
She wanted to go on a journey–on an adventure–just like Peter Pan. Her heart ached for the wind in her hair and the thrill of something unknown. But Grandma, with her soft voice and eyes full of quiet magic, had a way of calming storms. She leaned in and whispered that if Wendy stayed, she'd get to listen to stories–many stories–about Peter Pan. Not just the ones everyone knew, but the ones the grown-ups forgot. The secret ones.
Stories where it all began.
"Secret stories, you said?" Wendy's eyes lit up like lanterns, her earlier sulk forgotten in an instant. Grandma simply smiled, the kind that promised wonder.
Wendy quickly bid farewell to her parents and brothers, her voice playful now. "Safe travels! And you two–beware of Captain Hook. Legend says he kidnaps little children to make them work on his ship."
The boys gasped' dramatically clutching each other.
"Wee be saved by Peetah Pahn!" they squeaked in unison, sticking their tongues out at Wendy with the defiance only little brothers can master. She rolled her eyes but laughed, warmth blooming back into her chest.
Now that the boys along with Mother and Father had left the house, poor little Wendy felt a quiet ache in her heart. The silence was louder without their footsteps and laughter echoing down the halls.
But then she remembered–Grandma was going to tell her secret stories about Peter Pan. Stories no one else had ever heard.
Excitement fluttered back into her chest. She hurried up to her room, slipping into her favorite Victorian-style nightgown, the one with little pearl buttons and soft lace at the sleeves. She brushed her teeth and then her golden locks, each stroke filled with anticipation.
With silent footsteps and sparkling eyes, she tiptoed into the nursery. Grandma was already there, lighting the firewood in the hearth. The flames crackled to life, painting warm shadows across the room. It smelled of old wood, lavender, and the faintest trace of something… magical.