Chapter 11
Prina smiled gently at the rabbit.
“Isn’t it nice, that being different is considered lucky? I wish someone would think the same about black hair, too.”
For a moment, she allowed herself such a silly wish.
“Rabbit, anyway… I hope you’ll be happy eating this… Ah, that’s right! I’ll give you my luck.”
This was the last gift Prina could give to the rabbit. As if it understood her words, the rabbit eagerly accepted the four-leaf clover.
Seeing that adorable sight, a ticklish smile bloomed on Prina’s face.
“Just calling you ‘rabbit’, was I too heartless?”
Thinking about it, she realized she hadn’t given the rabbit a name, even though she’d named the pigeons and the squirrel. Should she give this rabbit one, too?
“Hmm, what would be good? Something as cute as your face would be nice.”
Her deliberation didn’t last long. After a moment’s thought, Prina finally came up with a fitting name.
“That’s right. From now on, your name is Lucky. Lucky.”
It was lucky she found the rabbit when it was hurt. It was lucky she’d been able to save it from the scary man. It was lucky she could heal it and let it go safely. That’s how Prina saw it.
“Lucky, don’t get hurt anymore, and live well.”
As soon as Lucky finished the clover, it dashed away into the grass.
Without even looking back.
She felt a little sad, but Lucky must have missed its rabbit burrow, too. Prina smiled serenely, watching the rabbit disappear into the forest.
She sat in the field and took off her veil. When she brought out a chunk of bread, as if they’d been waiting, Lizzy, Thomas, and even Jeremy came to greet her.
“Everyone, I think today will be my last time coming here. It’s a secret. My father is taking me back to the palace. I’ll miss you all so much when I’m there.”
Prina chatted endlessly as she shared bread with her animal friends.
“But I’m really excited, too. Now I can live with my family.”
She called it a secret, but they were friends she could share any secret with.
“What do you think the royal palace will be like? I’ll get to wear pretty dresses and eat all the soft bread I want. Right?”
Taking a bite of bread, Prina hugged her knees, her face dreamy as if she were in a dream.
“I hope I won’t have to wear a veil there. Will I be able to? I hope so. Honestly, it’s so uncomfortable.”
She pouted and muttered.
“I want to make friends, too. I mean… a real friend who likes me for who I am. Like you all, my good friends. Do you think that’s possible?”
She wanted to meet someone she can show her true self to. If she could be as free as she was with the animals, that would be wonderful.
But what if they’d hate her for her hair color again? Even if they didn’t hate her, they might still avoid her.
“What if I become an outcast again?”
That thought made her suddenly anxious. But being scared didn’t mean she could avoid it.
Just then, Lizzy came over and sat beside her as if to comfort her. Thomas and Jeremy did the same.
“Are you cheering me on?”
Prina smiled, her face filled with emotion.
“Thank you.”
Yes. Even without words, true feelings get across. The fact that she’d become friends with these animals, even without speaking, was proof of that. She believed she would find a friend who would accept her for who she was.
“I’ll be brave and try to make friends. I’ll do my best for His Majesty, too. Then, someday… a happy day will come, right?”
Prina murmured as if making a promise to herself.
And she gazed carefully at her animal friends, perhaps for the last time, filling her blue eyes with them.
“You all have to stay healthy until I can come visit again.”
She didn’t want to say it might be the last time. So Prina made a vague promise to the animals on purpose.
“Hey, Prina!”
At that moment, she heard someone calling from afar. As the sound drew closer, the animals scattered in all directions. Startled, Prina quickly put her veil back on.
It seemed her fellow nuns had come all the way out here to find her.
How did they know I was here?
Startled, Prina’s eyes went wide.
“Yes?”
“They said someone from the palace is here. Everyone’s looking for you. Come quickly.”
So, it was time to go. Prina slowly got to her feet.
Goodbye, secret forest.
Lizzy, Thomas, Jeremy… and Lucky, who went back to the rabbit burrow today.
All of you, don’t get hurt, and stay healthy and well.
I’ll always remember you, and pray for you.
With these final words in her heart, Prina followed the nuns.
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