The Price of a Promise

Hey everyone! Sorry I've been gone for so long! Rest assured, I am back and ready to get back to posting. This months story is one of my personal favorites to have written and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have writing it!

In the busy streets of Karsan, a city south of Velmira, a young girl was walking alongside her mother. While walking through the street, Lina, the young girl, locked eyes on a toy stall. It was filled with spinning tops, music boxes, and stuffed animals. But one thing stood out above all: a porcelain doll, it's fine silk dress shimmering in the sunlight.

Lina was breathless. She had to have it. 

“Mom! I’m going to that stall over there okay? Can I please?”

The mother laughed and said, “Yes, but don't take too long now!” 

The girl ran to the stall. “Excuse me, Mr. Shopkeeper! How much is that doll?” she asked eagerly.

“This doll?” he asked, pointing to it. She nodded again, eyes wide.

“I’m afraid it’s not for sale, little one. It’s far too priceless.”

Lina's face fell, but she leaned in closer, desperate. “Oh please, Mr. Shopkeeper, I’ll do anything!”

The man’s eyes narrowed. “Anything, you say?”

She nodded without hesitation.

“Well then,” he said slowly, “I suppose I shouldn’t refuse. Take the doll. But remember: when I want the favor returned... I’ll call you.”

“Of course!” she beamed. “Thank you so much!”

As she skipped back to her mother, she whispered to herself, There’s no way he’ll ever find me.

Years passed and the young girl blossomed into a young woman with a beautiful family. 

One rainy afternoon, while cleaning the attic, she came across the old porcelain doll. Dust-covered and tucked away in a wooden chest, the sight of it made her laugh.

“Wow... This thing is ancient. But it brings back so many childhood memories.”

She carefully dusted it off and brought it downstairs.

“Nora! Come downstairs, I have something I want to give you!” 

Her daughter ran downstairs and came into contact with the doll, “Wow Mommy, is that for me? Thank you, I love it!”

Just as soon as the doll was placed in her daughter's arm, a puff of purple smoke sprouted from the corners of the living room and then a person appeared. 

Mara was shocked, frightened she yelled, “Who are you? Why are you in my house?” 

The figure let out a low, amused chuckle. “You don’t remember me? Oh, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten. I’ve come to collect my favor.”

Mara’s blood ran cold. “Favor? What favor?” Then it struck her. “Wait… You don’t mean… are you Mr. Shopkeeper?”

“Ah, see? I knew you hadn’t forgotten me,” he said, his smile full of cruel delight. “You promised me anything. And now... I’ve come to collect.”

“No,” Mara whispered, stepping in front of her daughter. “No, please. She has nothing to do with this!”

“Oh, but she does,” he said. “You were given the doll. You enjoyed it, loved it, kept it and for the doll you promised me anything remember? Well this is what I want.”

With a flick of his hand, a swirl of wind pulled Nora toward him and she was engulfed in the purple mist.

So folks what do y'all think the moral of this story is? Write your answer in the comments below! I personally believe that the moral is everything and anything you do comes with a price so one must think wisely before they act. See you guys next month!