A Princess Reborn

I rush outside and dash to the barn, my heart pounding in my chest. Breathless, I throw open the doors, but my woolly friend is nowhere to be found. The barn stands empty, and the lamb is missing. Tears stream down my face as I collapse onto my knees, the weight of the situation crashing over me. Laya is gone. What's the point of anything? Why couldn't fate allow me this one success?

"Sarah?"

Lost in my own sorrow and guilt, I don't notice Hannah's entrance until her voice breaks through my misery. "Hannah?" She hurries toward me, grasping both of my hands and urging me to rise from the ground. "I thought you had left-thought I'd never see you again."

"Why? Because of your mother and her cruel words? It'll take much more than that to break the bond between us."

"Oh, Hannah! You're such an incredible friend... and I'm not worthy of you."

"Don't say that. You're not to blame for your mother's heartless behavior."

"She truly is terrible, isn't she?"

"I've got some choice words to describe her, but I know you'd rather I not speak ill of your family."

"In this case, go right ahead. It's completely warranted."

Hannah shakes her head with a smile. "But let's not focus on that. I've already forgotten it."

How can my mother not recognize the strength and integrity within Hannah? "Well, then I'll be blunt: She's a bitter, angry, thoughtless woman who should know better."

Hannah considers my words before responding. "Still a bit too polite, but I appreciate the sentiment, Sarah."

We embrace, lingering in the hug longer than usual. Hannah gently wipes away my stubborn tears. "No time to waste! I saw your father take Laya behind the barn. We can still save our little lamb. Let's hurry!"

I follow her, but she suddenly stops, causing me to halt as well. We both peer cautiously around the corner at the back of the barn. There's Laya, tied to a slab for slaughter. And my father... preparing himself for the grim task. Hannah whispers to me, her words sending a shiver of dread through me. "I'll distract your father. You untie Laya and escape."

I nod, bracing myself for the mission ahead. The next moment, Hannah walks casually around the corner, whistling a tune and keeping her hands hidden behind her back. "Good day, sir. Lovely weather for such a task, wouldn't you say?"

My father glances briefly at her before continuing his preparations. "Aren't you the Shepherd's daughter?"

"Indeed, sir."

"And what brings you to this farmyard?"

"Sir, my father has a favor to ask."

"Oh, he does? What kind of favor?"

"He needs to borrow a rake. Father has decided to start a vegetable garden-many mouths to feed and not enough food."

My father pauses his work and frowns at Hannah. "And when does he plan to return my rake?"

"I assure you, sir, it'll be returned promptly."

He hesitates for a moment before heading toward his small tool shed. "Very well, then. But remember, you're responsible for its safe return."

Hannah signals to me with a glance and a nod toward Laya. "Thank you for your kindness, sir. It's much appreciated."

As my father and Hannah walk away from the slaughter slab, I approach Laya, carefully untying her. "Shh, Laya, we must be quiet. We don't want Father to notice."

Laya may be a special lamb, but she's still a helpless creature.

With a sorrowful bleat, my father stops in his tracks and turns back. I meet his puzzled gaze head-on. Laya isn't completely free yet, and I silently pray that Father will look away and disregard what he's seen. I have to act nonchalant. "Oh, Father, just checking on the slaughter. Making sure everything is proceeding smoothly and safely."

"Are you untying that lamb, Sarah?" It's clear he's not buying my story. In the next instant, my mother appears around the corner. "What in the fiery depths of hell is this shepherdess doing here again?!"

Mother's eyes fixate on me beside the lamb, and she quickly assesses the loosened restraints. Her gaze hardens, sealing my fate, and I watch as my carefully crafted plans crumble before my eyes.