Cumulus: This place is beautiful.
???: Hello Cumulus. You’ve grown so much since I last saw you.
Cumulus: This place is beautiful.
???: Hello Cumulus. You’ve grown so much since I last saw you.
Cumulus: Hello? I’ve come for answers. I’m –
Cumulus. We’ve missed you. Please come in.
Cumulus: This must be the tree. It’s the only one like it.
Marigold: That’s all that I know. If you want answers, though, I think that tree will give some.
Cumulus: Thank you so much, mother. I know what I need to do. I am so sorry to cut this trip short.
Marigold: Yes, self-discovery is more important than a weekend at your childhood home.
Cumulus: I said I’m sorry!
Marigold: I’m joking! At least stay the night, dear. Citron’s making your favorite pancakes tomorrow morning. He’d hate for you to miss them.
Cumulus: Of course I’ll stay for his pancakes! I love you mom. Thank you for telling me this.
Marigold: Of course, sweetie.
You grew up, and never questioned anything until now. The only unusual thing was that you were a beacon of love. People always flocked to you like you were some sacred person, but you were just Cumulus. So to be honest, I’m not surprised you love two people. You have too much of it to give.
Marigold: Let’s take you home.
I couldn’t just leave you alone. And you were so persistent! I thought I would just contact the police to see if there was a missing child. No one ever claimed you. So we adopted you. The funny thing was, though, was that you completely forgot that day. You couldn’t talk the day after, and never said anything about that day. Everything you were saying sounded like the legend of the maidens, but it was just folklore. I didn’t know what would happen with you. So we decided it would be best to move away from Waffle Creek so you wouldn’t ask questions.
Marigold: Oh sweetie, I think you’re mistaken. I’m not your mother.
Cumulus: Yes you are! The winged lady told me so.
Marigold: The winged lady?
Cumulus: Well, she used to be my mommy but you are now!
Marigold: I’m a little confused, dearie.
Cumulus: I was too, but I let the lady do the talking.
You spoke without a fault, and it was a little unusual for a toddler.
Cumulus: Oh! I’ve been waiting for you!
Marigold: Sweetie, are you lost?
Cumulus: Nope! Just waiting!
Marigold: What’s your name, dear?
Cumulus: I’m Cumulus Bliss. Can I go home now?
Marigold: Well Cumulus, I need to know where you live. Do you have a mommy? Or a daddy?
Cumulus: You’re my mommy.
But one day, when I passed the prettiest tree in the neighborhood, I saw a little girl staring up at a tree. There was no one else around, so I assumed you were lost. Maybe it was my pregnancy hormones that made my heart ache for you.
Your father and I were a young married couple that lived in Waffle Creek. I was around seven months along with your brother, and I liked to go out on daily walks.