January 3, 1858

Well, I made interaction with the little girl today. Her name is Ella.

There is one thing that is very nice about children; they don’t judge you on your looks or manners, but seem to see right through to your heart. This can be quite dangerous, or, as in my case, quite wonderful.

I have found a new friend.

I had been sitting in my customary spot, eating some of the strange gruel the sailors had cooked in the giant cauldron they keep in the hold. It was not particularly tasty, but at least there weren’t any…interesting things crawling around. I had taken no more than three bites when I felt someone’s eyes on me.

Turning around, I saw the little red-head staring up at me with raised eyebrows, a similar bowl in her hand. “Do you like it?” She asked simply. I laughed. “No.”

A sly expression crept on her face, as if her little angelic head was filled with devious plans.

“Well. I have a proposition for you.”

I almost laughed at the length of the word which spilled from such a childish mouth. “What sort of proposition, Dongsaeng?”

She knit her eyebrows together. “I am not your little sister, so stop calling me that.” I felt surprised; she had remembered the word?

“Now. You don’t like that gruel very much, so I have something to make it taste better. In exchange for something. If you don’t give me it, you don’t get it.”

I frowned. When did a seven year old act like an adult business man? When she loses all her family and has to fend for herself…

“What do you want?”

The little girl pointed at grimy finger at my Grimm’s Fairy Tales, which I kept close beside me. “I want to you to tell me what you find in that thing that makes you smile and frown all the time. Why is it so special?”

I laughed. “That’s easy! But you have to do one more thing.”

She cocked her head suspiciously. “What?”

“Tell me your name.”

She stood silently for a moment, then said, “Ella.”

“Alright, Ella. Come over and show me what you have.”

The brown particles seemed to be rather dirty and sweaty from her hand, so I felt a little doubtful when I sprinkled them on my gruel and took a cautious bite. To my surprise, it actually was good and sweet. I finished my bowl very quickly.

“Where did you get this?”

Ella grinned. “It’s a secret. Now tell me about the book.”

Well, I read her stories all afternoon. Ella is much like me; she has never heard the like of such strange tales. However, though her eyes would pop as I read about witches and giants and princesses during the tale, she would always say at the conclusion, “That’s stupid. It could never happen.” It’s as if there’s no flicker of childlike trust left in that little mind of her’s.

What could have made a child into someone like that?

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Well, Dear Readers, I have taken a long break from writing. But I’m back! And I’m sorry that I’m taking so long about James Wimsey; I just have to build up the story before he comes in. Thank you for reading! (And reviewing. Will return the favor.)

juniehae