The Magic Window

Sophie loved to explore unchartered territories whenever she had a day off from school, and today she was making her way through the sparse forest to find places she had yet to discover. Her best friend, Abby, had decided to ditch her in favor of going shopping with her Mom today, but Sophie much preferred trekking through the woods any day to picking out a new outfit in a crowded mall.

As Sophie trekked along and topped a hill, she spied a small house that she had never spotted during previous times she had spent in the woods; the house lay just inside a small clearing. Perhaps the massive oaks and pines that surrounded the clearing, with the hanging moss that draped from their branches, had disguised the house from unwanted eyes. The house, from what she could see, appeared abandoned, with shutters hanging from their hinges and doors perched open. Carefully, Sophie drew nearer to the old home and saw that the front door was ajar while the screen door was dilapidated with holes. Along the front of the house, there was an open window, the tattered curtains swaying in the light breeze of the afternoon. It was quite possible the abandoned house had been thus for many years. Knowing her mother would probably tan her backside for entering the property; she headed straight for the house nonetheless, and walked up the three steps to its long porch. She stooped just outside the door that was ajar.

“Hello?” Sophie yelled inside the small opening, but the only sound that came back to her was the faint echo of her own voice.

“Hello? Is anyone home?” she yelled again, this time a bit louder, but still, no response. Yes, there was no doubt this house was abandoned. Surely, no one would leave the door and windows open like this; the house had to be uninhabited.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Sophie raised her hand to push against the doorframe, but it would not budge. It was as if there was something on the other side of the door was holding it steadfastly in place. Using her shoulder and the full force of her small, twelve-year old body, Sophie pushed with all her might, but still to no avail. The door was not budging, and it was not open enough for her to squeeze through its narrow opening.

Turning around, she eyed the open window to her left. It was very large and open wide enough for someone to easily enter through it. Carefully looking about but seeing no one, Sophie headed down the concrete steps, all the while searching for anything she could use as a step stool. Spying a small round stump, she quickly rolled it toward the open window until it came to rest beneath it. If she stood on the stump and then hefted herself up ever so slightly, she would be able to climb inside with little problem.

Once the stump was beneath the window, Sophie stood on it and took a moment to peer inside, ensuring that indeed no one resided in this lonely and forsaken looking house. Her mind raced with curiosity once she peered into the room. There were tattered remnants of a flowery bedspread and old, yellowed pillows scattered about the floor. Several pictures hung askew upon the walls of tattered and faded wallpaper. There was an old dresser and bedside table, but the drawers of both were open as though someone had already attempted to find treasures inside of them. From what she could see from where she stood, the drawers were all empty.

Just as she braced herself upon the ledge and attempted to climb inside, it began to rain. It was a soft, summer scented rain, and Sophie inhaled of its sweetness, not caring that it soaked her hair and clothing. She loved summer showers, and she could think of nothing more magical or endearing. How befitting, she thought, that a magic summer rain would start just as she began her adventure inside this dilapidated and lonely home that had once belonged and been very special to someone.

Focusing again on the purpose at hand, Sophie gave a heave, hoisting herself up and over the crumbling ledge of the open window. Before she could maneuver her way completely over it and inside the house, however, a piece of the windowsill gave way, and she fell inward, landing squarely on the hardwood floor of the bedroom.

“Ouch!” she cried, closing her eyes and wincing as both elbow and knee hit the hardwood flooring with a thud. She opened her eyes and immediately checked her extremities to ensure there was no substantial damage before looking up to peer at her surroundings. In awe, Sophie looked about the room. Her gaze reflected her amazement. The room was entirely different in appearance now compared with when she had first peered into it. It had become a lovely, beautifully decorated room, filled with splendid coverings on the bed and colorful paintings hung upon the walls. Fresh flowers filled vases and there was a gleaming mahogany dressing table on the far side of the room. On it lay a crocheted circular cloth, several porcelain knickknacks, and a wooden jewelry box. A crystal atomizer full of an amber liquid that Sophie assumed with perfume was nestled on a sterling tray along with a silver comb and brush set on the left side of the table.

Standing and gingerly rubbing her elbow in addition to her eyes, in sheer disbelief Sophie gazed all about the vast room. What had just happened and where was she? Had she entered some kind of magical world of fantasy when she fell through that open window? Perhaps the rain had been pure magic, after all, leading her to an unknown and undiscovered place in time. There seemed to be no other explanation for it. Being twelve, she was smart enough to know that fairy tales and magic didn’t really exist, but every indication was that this was indeed a magic window, and this house as she knew it was entirely different from everything she had previously seen.

“Hello?” she said again, but this time her voice was weak, croaking from the surprise she felt at her new surroundings.

Still, no answer. Silence continued to fill the space.

Slowly, lest she make a sound, Sophie made her way to the dressing table and took a seat on the round stool in front of it. The oval mirror in the center of the table reflected her visage of surprise. Her small fingers trailed lightly over the gleaming wood. Interestingly enough, there was not one speck of dust.

Carefully, she picked up a carved, white onyx elephant on the right side of the table, fingering its ridges before placing it back where it had originally rested. On the left-hand side, she saw a lovely wooden music box. As she opened the lid, it began to play Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies. She opened the lid of the box and found, nestled within on light pink silk, lay several pieces of glimmering jewelry, including a pair of long earrings made from the most beautiful ice blue stones Sophie had ever seen.

Sophie slowly lifted the earrings and pretended they hung from her ears, glancing at herself in the mirror. They gave her an appearance of sophistication, she thought to herself, despite being only twelve years of age. Not daring to try them on, she replaced them inside the box before she pulled out a ring with a large stone of the same blue hue. Small, tiny diamonds encircled the ring’s main stone. Unable to stop herself, Sophie slipped the beautiful ring on her third finger. As she was admiring its beauty on her tiny hand, she looked up at the mirror and gasped. Directly behind her stood a woman who appeared old enough to be someone’s mother. The woman wore a flowing white dress and had blonde hair pulled back loosely into bun. She was beautiful and had the warmest, most welcoming smile upon her lips that Sophie had ever seen.

Quickly, Sophie removed the ring and spun around in the seat. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t think anyone was here…” Her voice trailed off. No one was there. Her heart beat rapidly. Where did the woman go? She was sure she had seen her reflected in the oval mirror, but she had disappeared. Sophie attempted to gather her wits. Did the woman live here? Well, Sophie was not about to leave now when this house had so many surprises and magic awaiting discovery. Chances were she had probably imagined the woman anyway.

Sophie put the ring back in the jewelry box and then stood before walking over to the bed. Stepping onto the footstool, she climbed onto the large mattress and then fell backwards, encompassed by the bed’s softness and silky coverings. Here indeed was heaven, she thought. She closed her eyes, relishing the feel of the luxurious coverings.

Moments later, Sophie opened her hazel eyes to find the same woman she had seen in the mirror standing beside the bed. She was still smiling warmly, and she gazed at Sophie with interest in her blue eyes.

“Hello, Sophie,” the woman said. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Startled, Sophie bolted straight up and came face to face with the woman.

“Hello,” Sophie croaked. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know this was your home.” In her surprise, it had not even dawned on her that the woman had called her by name or had said she had been waiting for her arrival.

“No, Sophie, please don’t be sorry. I have been expecting you, dear. I have tea and biscuits for us – there on the tea table,” she said as she extended her hand toward a small table set for afternoon tea. The woman’s voice was strangely lyrical and her image was nearly ethereal.

Sophie skeptically eyed the woman, tempted to reach out and touch her to ensure she was in fact real and not some figment of her imagination.

“Tea? Biscuits? And you have been expecting me? I think I am confused,” Sophie asked.

“Yes, sweetheart. Shall we have some tea and biscuits?” The woman headed to the tea table, seeming to float across the hardwood floors as she moved. It was as if she were an illusion or dream.

Sophie stood and followed, intrigued beyond measure. “Thank you,” she said for lack of knowing what else to say as she took a seat at the table and watched as the welcoming woman poured steaming tea into dainty bone china cups with hand painted, purple violets.

“And so, how is Miss Sophie today?” the woman asked as she placed a cup of tea in front of her.

“I am good,” Sophie said. Still perplexed as to how the woman knew her, she asked, “I’m sorry, but have we met before? I’m afraid I don’t remember you.”

“No, we have not met, or at least not precisely dear, but we do know one another in a manner of speaking. I’m Genevieve.” The woman smiled as she took a seat across from Sophie. “I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance. Biscuit, dear? They are temptingly delicious,” she said.

Confused, Sophie absentmindedly picked up a biscuit and bit into it. It was in fact so delicious that it melted in her mouth. Eagerly, she picked up another as Genevieve watched and continued to smile while sipping her tea.

Moments passed in silence as Genevieve watched Sophie partake of the biscuits. Eventually, she stood and walked to the dressing table where she picked up the small onyx elephant before returning to sit across from Sophie.

“Sophie, dear, it would very much please me if you would accept this elephant. I hope it will remind you of our special afternoon together. Oh, yes, and please take all the biscuits you would like home with you. I have a handkerchief in which you may wrap them for safekeeping.”

Genevieve placed the small elephant in front of Sophie and then handed her a lace-trimmed handkerchief before proceeding to pile it with the delicious, sweet biscuits. Even as she did so, the biscuits seemed to replenish on the silver platter as if by sheer magic.

Sophie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Thank you,” she managed to say, despite the fact her mind was racing with so many thoughts.

“You’re as pretty as your mother, Sophie,” the woman said once she had finished her task and neatly folded the handkerchief.

“My mother? You know my Mother?” Sophie asked in surprise.

“Well, dear, we met many years ago. She was a special young girl then, just like you.”

Sophie’s mind raced. First, this was very much a magical place. Second, her mother had never mentioned anything about this house or Genevieve. Who exactly was she? Sophie was more confused than ever, and though she knew she was wide-awake, she still wondered if she was dreaming.

Genevieve stood and walked to the window, peering out into the damp afternoon mist. It had stopped raining and the sun was shining once again. “I fear it is getting late, dear. Your mother will be worried if you’re not home soon.”

Sophie realized it was nearly five o’clock and that Genevieve was right. Where had the time gone? She was anxious to get home and see her mother though. She had tons of questions about Genevieve and this old house. Surely, her mother would have the answers.

Sophie stood and brushed the crumbs from her lap.

“Don’t forget the biscuits and your little elephant, dear,” Genevieve said. “I am so happy you visited, and we were able to meet one another. I hope you can visit again, but if not, I am sure the future will bring us together again at some point.”

Stuffing the handkerchief full of biscuits in one pocket and the little elephant in the other, Sophie nodded and stretched out her hand. “Thank you so much for the tea and biscuits. It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Miss Genevieve.”

The woman brilliantly smiled as she took Sophie’s hand warmly in both of hers and pulled Sophie to her for a warm embrace. “See Sophie, I assure you that the pleasure is all mine. Do run along home now and please give your mother my regards, dear.”

Sophie returned Genevieve’s smile and went to the window. Before hoisting herself up onto its ledge, she turned to give one last wave to Genevieve, but she found the room was completely empty. Genevieve had disappeared as mysteriously, and as magically, as she had appeared.

Sophie managed to climb over the window’s ledge and then peered inside the room from the tree stump once again. Amazingly, it was now dingy and dilapidated. There were no beautiful bed coverings, dressing table, or fresh flowers. More importantly, there was no Genevieve.

More confused than ever, Sophie hurried home. When she arrived, she entered the kitchen and found her mother standing over the stove as she prepared supper. Her mother barely glanced at her as she came through the screen door and opened the fridge for a glass of cold water. Sophie then took a seat at the table and waited. She emptied her pockets of the wrapped biscuits and then carefully, she stood the elephant on the table, knowing her mother would see it when she turned around.

Placing a lid on a steaming pot, Sophie’s mother spun around and smiled in greeting. “So how was your day, Sophie?” her voice trailed off as she took note of the elephant standing front and center on the kitchen table. Slowly, she walked over and took a seat across from Sophie, carefully watching her daughter all the while.

Sophie raised an eyebrow questioningly at her mother until finally, breaking the silence, her mother spoke. “I see you’ve met Genevieve. She is very nice, do you not think? Did you like her? Were the biscuits as delicious as they were many years ago when I met her?”

Sophie pointed to the handkerchief on the table. “See for yourself,” she said quietly and reached to unwrap the lacy handkerchief. However, as she did so, the wrapping fell flat: it was completely empty.

Astonishment filled Sophie’s face, but her mother merely smiled an all-knowing smile. Looking at Sophie, she said, “But the elephant is very real ….and very precious, my dear.”

Silently, her mother rose from her chair and left the room, returning moments later with an elephant that was identical to Sophie’s elephant. She resumed her seat and sat the elephant she held on the table next to the other one.

“What in the world?” Sophie’s eyes grew wider and larger than before. “Where did you get that? Who is Genevieve?”

Her mother reached down into her pocket to retrieve a very old picture and laid it on the table in front of Sophie. The yellowed photograph was an oddly captivating and enchanting picture of the woman Sophie had encountered in the bedroom once she had gone through the magic window. Indeed, Genevieve was as pretty in the picture with her lovely smile and flowing white dress as she had been in person that afternoon at tea.

“Genevieve is your Great-Great-Grandmother, Sophie. She manages to meet every female that is born into our family. I guess you could say that she continues to watch over all of us,” her mother said. “She is our Matriarch and our Guardian Angel.”

Sophie picked up the two identical elephants. As she did so, her mother reached into her other pocket and pulled yet two more elephants. “These were my mother’s and grandmother's elephants.” Her mother laughed. “I guess you could say we are raising our own herd of elephants in this family.”

Sophie laughed. It was true. As long as Genevieve continued to watch out for the family, their herd of elephants would continue to grow, that was for sure.

Her mother grew serious as she added, “You are very special, Sophie, and Genevieve ensures that you will continue to remain so. Did you know that elephants are a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, power, wisdom, vitality, and protection from all evil? Genevieve is quite purposeful about why she gives you the elephant, and you must always take special care of it. It is a gift beyond compare.”

Sophie nodded, strangely aware that she had been granted a once in a lifetime magical experience that she would never, ever forget. It would remain in her mind and heart for all her years, and one day, she would tell her children about Genevieve, too, just as her mother was telling her.

That night as she prepared for bed, Sophie carefully placed the little marble elephant on the bedside table atop the lace handkerchief where it would be able to watch over her as she slept. She would never forget Genevieve or the magical experience she had experienced this afternoon. Moreover, in her heart, she was hopeful that one day she would have a daughter of her own who would be able to experience the same wonder and magic she had experienced once she had climbed through that magic window in the midst of the summer rain.

Feeling immensely special, privileged, contented, and well loved to have met the magic that embodied the spirit of Genevieve; Sophie easily fell asleep that night with dreams of tables laden with tea and scrumptious biscuits. In the background, white statues of beautifully decorated elephants loomed all around. It was a beautiful dream. Indeed, it had been a beautiful and enchanting summer day that would live on for Sophie, just as Genevieve’s memory continued to live on through so many generations and years.