The Pond

She was not allowed to go in the woods. Her mother had strictly forbidden it. Caroline did not ask questions, it was just the way it was. But as Caroline grew older in the only home she had ever known, another part of her home in which she had never visited began to intrigue her. Caroline knew it was against her mother's wishes to step foot in the woods but as the days passed, the wondrous orange leaves and lovely sky-scraping trees could never escape her mind.
One day she finally asked her mother, "Just one day mama, even if so you came with me, could I please visit the woods? Just once." Her stern tone replied with, "Why would you even think of such a thing? You know my answer. Do not persist, my child." Caroline did not hesitate, "Why, mama?" "I will contain my anger from you, my child, because you must know it is only for your protection." Caroline was even more entranced with the magical land behind her house. She knew it was sinful but the mysterious woods warped her mind beyond her control.
One day, when her mother was off at the open market Caroline decided to finally take a walk into her dream. She would finally discover the rest of her home. She set off into the east side, taking her strides slowly only to truly take in all there was to see. The sunlight purely shown through the leaves giving her a shadow that she followed. The old trees were solid and strong as she slid her hands along the trunks. Her nose filled with pine and oak and infused her with happiness as she realized she was doing as she pleased, she was taking her journey through her woods. Caroline continued walked along a deserted path, but a path none the less. She caught her self wondering why her mother was so against such a wonderful place. She spotted a glistening subject farther up the path. She finally came up to a wonderful pond. Caroline had never seen such a thing before. Her mother did not allow her to leave the house unless she was accompanying her. Caroline continued to soak up the beautiful heat of the sun on her back and appreciated this moment of independence she had that she knew wouold only soon end. Caroline squatted down to take a look into the glistening water. As she searched for creatures of some sort, she realized she could not escape a figure staring back at her. Caroline began touching her face with both startled hands as she stared at the figure in the pond. Caroline realized she was staring at Caroline. She screamed with horror as she looked at her own face for the first time. Furious, she splashed the figure away with one hand but then waited patiently as her reflection came back again. Glorious, long brown hair appeared over shoulders, framing a stunning face with piercing eyes of blue that only rightfully stared right back at Caroline. She was beautiful. A tear ran down her face as she whispered, "Why, mama?"