Ralph and the Pixie

The difficulties in moving the stove were quickly amended by such an exceptional meal (created by Theuli and her women friends and neighbours) for the workers and their families, that such strenuous efforts were not only soon forgiven, but orders were placed with Ralph for no less than a dozen of the cast-iron behemoths.

That same evening, as Rani made herself ready for bed, Malina, passing by the open door of the Elf childrens’ room chanced to see Rani open a small wooden box, and in so doing, caught a glimpse of its contents.

For a giddy instant, the very earth beneath her feet suddenly seemed to tilt off balance as Malina, steadying herself against the doorframe, was immobilized with shock by the sight of a familiar object. Entering, Malina said, trying to control the tremulous quaver in her voice, ‘May I see that?’

With an obliging smile, Rani opened the box for her once more. Nestled amongst its contents was a minute object, an unmistakeably familiar tiny doll, that had been fashioned from a wooden clothespin. White as a little ghost, carefully and disbelievingly picking it up with hands that shook, Malina said brokenly, ‘Where did you get this?’

At last realizing something was very wrong with Malina, uncertain as to how she should respond, Rani said, ‘I’m not sure. I’ve had it for as long as I can remember . . . I think mother must have made it for me when I was little.’