A Fairy Ring (Short listed for Global Soup)
The children of the fairies gather, as instructed, in trees as the moon rises. Tonight he will choose one, that’s all he requires- a favourite to help his special fairytale. The children stare at their feet hoping not to catch his eye, bare toes set fast on snowy branches. He is rotund and seemingly jolly, in forest green which helps with camouflage. He stalks the trees, shaking them to see which one will fall into his waiting arms. Awe, Luck, Passion? There are so many to choose from. The children quietly hold their breath as silently one falls... Childhood over.