Candy Shop

In a quaint village nestled behind a majestic mountain range, lived a girl named Sophie. Her family resided in a charming house surrounded by a sprawling garden, where a magnificent apple tree stood tall against the backdrop of nature’s beauty. Sophie shared this humble abode with her younger brother, Noah, their devoted mother, and their wise grandmother. Tragically, Sophie’s father had passed away when she was just a child, taken by a rare, incurable disease.

Sophie, a vibrant and adventurous fourteen-year-old, possessed an insatiable curiosity and a deep love for exploring new places and meeting new people. From dawn till dusk, she would roam the village and its surroundings, captivated by the wonders of the natural world. Her schoolwork often took a backseat to her adventures, and she would return home in the evening, her clothes scattered haphazardly around her room—on the bed, the chair, and even the doorknob. Despite her mother’s heartfelt pleas for assistance with household chores, Sophie remained indifferent, driven solely by her desire to play and revel in the company of her friends.

One day, while frolicking with her friends in a meadow, Sophie heard a faint voice calling out to her in the distance:

“Sophie, Sophie!!”

She turned towards the source of the sound and saw her six-year-old brother, Noah, running towards her, his forehead dripping with sweat and his cheeks flushed and his eyes were brimming with tears. Sophie leaned in and anxiously asked him what had happened. In between sobs, Noah managed to explain:

“Mother fell ill; she fainted while feeding the chickens. Grandmother called the village doctor and asked me to find you. We must go home, sister. Come on.”

Overwhelmed with shock, Sophie grabbed her brother’s hand, and together they hurried back home. Upon their arrival, they found the village doctor at the door, carrying his bag and speaking in a soothing voice to their grandmother. Sophie approached them, and her grandmother regarded her with sorrowful and anxious eyes, saying:

“She’s inside, sleeping. You can go in and see her.”

Sophie cautiously entered her mother’s room, where she lay in slumber, bearing signs of exhaustion and pallor. Sophie clasped her mother’s weathered hand, worn from ceaseless labor, and tears welled up in her eyes.

“Your mother seems to have contracted the same disease your father suffered from years ago,” her grandmother disclosed.

Sophie turned to her grandmother, who held Noah’s hand and slowly seated herself on the edge of the bed, gazing at Sophie:

“This disease afflicts the heart, as the doctor mentioned. Sadly, there is no known cure at this time.” her grandmother explained with voice filled with sorrow. Sophie worriedly responded:

“Is there truly no cure?”

The grandmother nodded with a heavy heart and fixed her gaze on the mother’s hand:

“However,” the grandmother continued:

“there is a legend about a shop located in the mountains nearby. It is said that an expert woman dwells there, proficient in medicinal herbs. She crafts sweets and cakes infused with these herbs. Legend has it that these confections possess healing properties.”

Sophie’s eyes widened with astonishment, and she inquired:

“So if I visit this shop, I could find a remedy for my mother?”

the grandmother lowered her head and held her granddaughter’s hand and replied:

“Yes, my dear. But not everyone who embarks on the journey to that shop manages to obtain the medicine.”

Confused, Sophie questioned:

“Why?”

Her grandmother elucidated:

“Because, as said, these sweets are offered only to those who have healthy heart.”

“healthy heart? ” Sophie wondered

“But I’m healthy and not sick, so I’ll get the medicine, won’t I, Grandma?”

“Yes, but some people go to that store with their hearts intact and do not get the medicine and may never even reach the store.”

Sophie thought for a while and said:

“I don’t know why those people before me didn’t succeed, but I’ll know if I try. I have no other choice, my mother is sick, and this is the only solution we have.”

She looked into her grandmother’s eyes and said with a smile:

“Maybe these people aren’t as healthy as I am, so I’ll go and get the medicine to heal my mother and get life back to the way it was, or even better.”

Her eyes were so enthusiastic and determined that her grandmother smiled pale and anxious, and said:

“Strength and courage are not always the only solution of getting what we want...”

Sophie interrupted her grandmother and said:

“Yes, Grandma, strength, and courage are everything, and I will prove it to you. I’m going to pack up what I need for this trip, and at dawn, I’m going to look for that store, the candy store.”

At the first glimpse of the sun, Sophie was outside, carrying a backpack and tying her shoes, and her grandmother was standing at the doorstep with Little Noah looking at her. The grandmother said:

“Remember to take the shortcut to Forest Road to get to the lake. There you wait for Mr. Wade, who will take you by boat to the other side of the lake. Then you will take a road called the Four Seasons Road, and then you will arrive at a house called the House of confession. The people of this house will tell you where the Candy House is. But...” The grandma paused.

Sophie raised her head and wondered:

“but, what?”

“what’s puzzling about this house is that no one lives there.” The grandma continued

“What do you mean no one lives in it?”

The grandmother said: “They say that the residents of that house show up at a certain time, but nobody knows when.”

Sophie stood up and said: “Then where would I go if the inhabitants of the house didn’t show up?”

The grandmother said: “Your journey will be almost over because the people of that house are the only ones who know where the store is and are going to lead you to it.”

“It’s okay; it’s weird,” Sophie said, “but I’ll do whatever I can to get the medicine for my mother.”

Sophie looked at her grandmother and said: “Well, thank you, Grandma, for all this information. I promise I’ll come back with the medicine in my hand.”

The grandmother smiled affectionately and said: “I wish you the best, my daughter. I will pray that you are well and that your journey will pass in peace.”

Sophie hugs her grandmother and her little brother Noah and left home on steady steps towards the forest in front of the mountain ranges.

After hours of walking and contemplating the beauty of the forest, Sophie could finally see the sparkling features of the lake and its vibrant blue color. Excitedly, she ran towards it and eagerly waited for Mr. wade to arrive with his boat, as her grandmother had instructed. Sophie stood patiently, her eyes fixed on the lake, anticipating the arrival of the boat. Gradually, she noticed the boat’s features emerging as it moved slowly toward her. She felt joyous and continued to watch its approach with enthusiasm. As the boat inched closer, the heat of the sun intensified, making Sophie hot and weary. Unable to bear the wait any longer, she decided to seek respite under the shade of a towering forest tree. She sat beneath the giant tree, her gaze still fixed on the boat, but the rumbling of her stomach reminded her of her hunger. She rummaged through her bag, searching for the food her grandmother had packed for her.

Sophie opened the bag and glanced at the boat, only to witness its gradual disappearance. To her surprise, it was moving backward instead of moving forward. Astonished, she quickly stood up and rushed towards the lake, questioning:

“Why is the boat turning back? What’s going on?”

She screamed and waved her hands, desperately trying to get Mr. wade’s attention. However, the boat continued to retreat until it vanished completely. Sophie wondered why Mr. wade had turned back, speculating if he had forgotten something and needed to retrieve it. She remained standing, hoping for the boat’s reappearance. After a long wait, the boat emerged once again, slowly making its way toward her. Overjoyed that it had returned, she resumed her patient vigil, but her intense hunger and growing thirst compelled her to retrieve the food from her bag. She sat peacefully under the shade of the giant tree, unpacked a medium-sized lunch box, and took out a bottle of water. Inside the box, she found soft bread with pieces of meat and cheese, and her smile widened as she savored each bite and quenched her thirst with the water. As she glanced back at the boat, she was shocked to see it disappear again. She dropped the bread and hastily stood up, unable to believe her eyes:

“What happened? Where did the boat go? Did it come back again? What’s happening?”

Sophie stood there, bewildered, and filled with questions. After considerable standing and worrying, the boat reappeared, reigniting Sophie’s joy and relieving her anxiety. However, the incessant chirping of birds diverted her attention towards them, only to find a group of birds gathering around her bread, pecking at it. She ran towards them, shouting:

“Go away! This bread is for me!”

The birds flew away, leaving her to clean the bread and secure the water bottle. With the sun setting and fatigue settling in, she decided to head towards the lake, but the boat’s disappearance for the third time make her more frustrated. She sat down in despair, exclaiming:

“Ohh, I’m tired! This foolish boat keeps appearing and disappearing. I’ll take a short nap since I can’t bear waiting any longer.”

She closed her eyes and drifted into a deep sleep beneath the tree.

The next morning, Sophie awoke to the chirping of birds and the soft light filtering through the trees. She stood up, realizing that morning had arrived. The lake waters remained calm, with no sign of the boat floating above them. She retrieved a piece of cheese and bread from her bag, devouring them hungrily. Then, she walked towards the lake and splashed her face with its cold water, revitalizing herself. Standing there, she gazed at the lake’s water, contemplating its mysteries:

“There must be a reason behind the boat’s appearance and disappearance, and I’m determined to find out”

Sophie pondered. After some time standing, the boat once again emerged, slowly approaching her:

“Every time I stand like this, it shows up, but when I sit down, it disappears,” Sophie observed.

Curiosity piqued, she returned to her spot under the tree, keeping her eyes fixed on the boat. After a few moments, she noticed the boat swiftly turning back until it vanished once more. She smiled confidently, feeling that she had unraveled the boat’s secret. She put on her sun hat, grabbed her bag, and made her way toward the lake, ready for the boat’s reappearance. As expected, after arranging herself in position, the boat gradually materialized and headed towards her. Sophie stood for a long time, feeling tired yet determined not to give up. The birds fluttered away, the wind calmed, the sun took its place in the sky, and the boat still had a considerable distance to cover before reaching Sophie. Sweat streamed down her forehead, and her feet trembled from the prolonged standing. However, like a steadfast rock, she refused to move.

After hours of waiting, the sound of the boat’s oars grew louder, and its features became clearer. It was a wooden boat, rowed by a man with a red beard and a straw hat partially concealing his face. Only the tip of his nose and his thick red beard were visible to Sophie. As they approached, Sophie focused her eyes on the boat and the man, whom she assumed to be Mr. Wade. When the boat reached the shore, Mr. Wade looked up at Sophie and spoke with a loud, rough voice:

“Where to, miss?”

Startled by his voice, Sophie stood firm despite the pain in her feet and responded:

“Um... I would like you to take me to the Four Seasons Road, which is said to be on the other side of the lake.”

Mr. Wade turned the boat around and said:

“That road is known as the Will Road. Get in.”

Sophie hesitantly and quickly boarded the boat, which began moving slowly. She watched as Mr. Wade rowed the boat in silence, pondering about his unique appearance with the red beard and his intimidating voice. She thought to herself:

“I’ve never seen a man like him before. His voice scared me so much; I thought I might wet my pants when he spoke earlier.”

Sophie glanced behind her and was shocked to realize that they were already in the middle of the lake, with the forest and the giant tree no longer in sight. Perplexed, Sophie exclaimed:

‘What just happened? We reached the middle of the lake within seconds, whereas it took hours to cover a quarter of the distance. Is this a magical boat or something?’”

Despite her astonishment, Sophie continued to gaze behind her, struggling to comprehend what she had witnessed, but the sound of Wade’s voice broke her trance:

“We have arrived. You can disembark now.”

Sophie turned around to find herself facing vast, sprawling dunes of sand. She stepped off the boat in shock and surprise, surveying the lifeless expanse with only the sound of wind carrying sand seeds from one place to another. Sophie intended to inquire about their location but found neither the boat nor Mr. Wade. All that remained was the serene lake. Sophie’s shock was indescribable:

“How... Where is? Where is Mr. Wade and the boat?”

She looked around in disbelief, contemplating her next move:

“What should I do now? Should I cross this desert?”

Sophie raised her gaze to the scorching sun, adjusted her hat, and took her first steps into the sand, determined to unravel the mystery. Sophie kept walking for hours and hours, the hot sun beating down on her with a fierce intensity. The sand, sparkling under the scorching sun, stuck to her shoes and got into her clothes, making her feel even more tired and uncomfortable. Her skin felt hot, her throat was dry, and the bottle of water she had clung to was completely empty. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and looked around for any sign of shelter. But there was none. All she could see was an endless stretch of dunes, their peaks and valleys extending in every direction, taunting her with their emptiness. No trees, no buildings, not even a hint of human life; just the vast, unforgiving desert, offering no shade, no relief, and no escape from the burning heat. She felt her energy draining with each step, her legs growing heavier, her spirit weakening, as she continued her seemingly endless journey through the desolate landscape.:

“Oh, I’m tired. I don’t have much water left. I’m thirsty, and I feel dizzy,” Sophie muttered, before collapsing unconscious on the desert sands.

“achoo!”

Sophie’s sneeze woke her up from her collapsing, finding herself lying on a pile of snow, with everything around her as white as a bride’s dress. She got up in a panic, looking around and wondering:

“Where... where am I? What happened?!?”

She kept asking herself with feeling of astonishment and anxiety, then she cupped a handful of snow, examining it carefully:

“Snow. It’s snow. I’m not dreaming. But how did it get here? Where are the giant dunes and the scorching sun?”

She searched for her backpack and hat to find them uncovering beneath the snow. She grabbed the bag and embarked on her unknown and peculiar journey. After hours of continuous walking, hunger, and thirst began to intensify. Sophie rummaged inside her bag and found an apple and some biscuits. She took bites from the apple and continued walking, catching glimpses of a few scattered cedar trees until the features of a cedar forest gradually emerged as Sophie approached. A smile of hope formed on her lips, for she no longer traversed an empty expanse. Instead, life and color were replacing the white that enveloped the surroundings. She pressed on, gazing at the towering trees around her, until she heard gurgling water:

“Is that a sound of water? Is there a river nearby?”

She quickened her pace towards the sound, which gradually grew louder as she drew nearer. However, her sudden stop and the astonishment on her face caused her eyes and mouth to widen:

“I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Is this real?”

She standing in a patch of greenery adorned with trees bearing ripe fruits—orange trees, apples, grapes, and even berries. The water she heard was a stream of clear, pure water, revealing rocks and stones beneath its surface. Sophie’s eyes struggled to accept what lay before her. Just moments ago, she could not feel her toes and hands due to the extreme cold, thirst, and scorching heat of the sun. Now, she stood in front of a green paradise that made anyone who beheld it forget all hunger, thirst, fatigue, and cold. She threw her bag on the green grass and started spinning and dancing; her laughter grew louder every moment:

“I am happy, very happy. There is no doubt that spring is everyone’s favorite season.”

She ate from the fruit trees, put some in her bag, drank from the freshwater of the stream, and filled the water bottle. After enjoying her meal and resting, she sat under the shade of one of the trees until she fell into a deep sleep, like a little child tired from playing.

“Sophie, Sophie, wake up.”

“Noah? What’s the matter?”

“Mom is calling for you.”

“Ah, let me sleep a little, I’m tired.”

“No, she needs you. She wants you to help her. Come on, Sophie. Please wake up.” But a scream woke up her from her sleep startled:

“What a dream!! I’m thirsty.”

Sophie carried a bottle of water and drank from it until she felt full, then she looked around to find herself still in her place among the fruit trees and the green nature. She got up, filled the water bottle, and put it in her bag.

“I have to go. This place makes me feel lazy and lethargic. I have to continue my journey.”

She carried her bag and continued on her way. Everything around her looked beautiful; she met on her way some deer and wide fields full of beautiful and charming roses. Sophie reminded herself every time of the purpose of the trip whenever she was taken in by the beauty of nature around her. She kept wondering about the mysterious candy shop owner:

“I wonder what that candy-shop owner looks like? She must be old with an apron around her waist, a hunched back, and a low voice like my grandmother’s.”

She kept talking to herself until a few drops of water fell on the edge of her nose. She raised her head to the sky to see black clouds gathering to cover the clear, blue sky:

“It looks like rain; I have to hide under a tree.”

However, the surprise left Sophie unfazed by the heavy, non-stop rain falling around her. She found herself no longer surrounded by the beautiful forest full of fruit trees, clear water streams, and fields of charming flowers, but instead amid a wide, barren field devoid of trees, roses, or any signs of life, shrouded in a gloomy atmosphere:

“Now what? How did I get here?”

It was raining heavily, and Sophie was alone standing in the middle of a deserted field, without a single tree sheltering her from the downpour.

Sophie grabbed the bag and pulled it over her head as she ran in search of shelter from the torrential rain. The stumps of felled trees tripped her up, causing her to fall repeatedly, and her clothes became covered in mud and dirt. Wounds spread on her knees and elbows, and the wind intensified, making it increasingly difficult for Sophie to keep moving forward. She walked for a long time without finding any refuge from the rain and strong winds:

“Oh my God, when will this rain stop? My clothes are completely soaked,” Sophie muttered, upset and angry.

The storm intensified instead of stopping, but it didn’t deter her from pressing on. Eventually, a square-shaped object appeared in front of her. Sophie initially thought it was a cog, but as she approached, the shape became clearer, and she found herself standing in front of a small farmhouse. Sophie was indescribably relieved to have found a place to shelter from the rain and strong winds.

She knocked on the door, but there was no answer. She kept knocking and calling:

“Hello, is anyone here? Please, can I come in until the storm passes? Is there anyone inside this house?”

Despite her persistent knocking, no one answered. She looked at the windows, but they were all closed, and the curtains were drawn. Sophie put her hand on the door handle and was surprised when it opened easily. She slowly and cautiously entered the house.

It was dark and quiet, with no sound except the raindrops hitting the windows. Sophie searched for wax or matches to light up the place and found a candle next to it a match·​box, which she lit and carried to look around the house. Everything looked tidy and clean, although there was no sign of anyone inside. The downstairs consisted of a kitchen with a large table and four chairs, a toilet, and a large room. Sophie climbed the stairs next to the kitchen to the upper floor, where she found two rooms—one on the right and the other on the left. And in front of Sophie was a window overlooking the wide field with its felled trees. She entered one of the rooms to find two beds and a wardrobe, its open doors empty of any clothes. Sophie returned downstairs and wandered around, but found no photos or personal belongings indicating the presence of inhabitants. She sat down on one of the four chairs and placed the candle on the table:

“This must be the house my grandmother told me about. Its only inhabitants know where the candy store is, but how will they appear?” Sophie mused, placing her hand on her cheek as she pondered seriously. Suddenly, she remembered:

“Ah, my grandmother told me that the residents of the house show up if you behave well inside their house and take care of it. But how?”

Sophie looked around and was surprised by the mess she had made since her arrival. Mud and water filled the floor because of her shoes, and her wet bag and clothes had soaked the chairs and table. Horrified by the mess she had made, Sophie got up quickly:

“OH MY, look at all this mess. I’m sorry, residents of this house. I’m going to clean up this mess right now.”

She cleaned the floor, wiped the chairs and the table, and placed her shoes and wet bag outside the house. Although she wiped the floor and chairs carelessly, they were no longer wet with mud and water. Then she sat down tiredly on one of the chairs sweating from tiredness:

“I didn’t know cleaning was so tiring. Residents of this house, I’ve cleaned up the mess. I apologize again for everything that happened because of me.”

Suddenly, a bright light appeared from the top floor, causing Sophie to jump in fear and hide under the table:

“What is this? Where did this light come from? Is there anyone upstairs?”

Sophie cautiously emerged from under the table, grabbed a broom from the pantry, picked up the candle, and climbed the stairs with anxious steps. She opened the door of the first room cautiously, but found no one inside. She checked the closet and behind the door, but found no one there. She then entered the second room and also searched inside the closet and behind the door, but found no intruder. However, she suddenly stopped and looked toward the closet. Opening the door, she found a dress hanging inside:

“This dress wasn’t here when I arrived. How did it get here, and who brought it?”

Sophie wondered aloud, surprised to find a dress inside a previously empty closet. She took the dress out of the closet and placed it on the bed, directing the candlelight toward it to examine its features and color:

“It’s beautiful,” Sophie smiled. “To whom does this dress belong?”

She inspected the dress closely. It was a soft, sky-blue dress. She looked at her wet, cold clothes and then at the warm dress:

“Well, I think I understand the story. This dress is mine. Thank you for this gift, residents of this house. I am grateful to you.” Then she changed into the dress:

“It suits me, and it is warm and beautiful. Thank you again.”

She went downstairs and placed her wet clothes outside next to her shoes: “When the weather clears, the sun’s rays will dry them.”

The next morning, Sophie awoke to the sun’s rays filtering through the window. She got out of bed and opened the window:

“The rain has stopped. What a beautiful weather.”

The dark clouds had turned white, and the sun’s rays had lifted the worry and sadness from the wet ground:

“The breeze is lovely, and the weather seems perfect for continuing the journey. But when will the residents of this house appear?”

She went downstairs, hoping to find someone, but the house was as empty as it had been the day before. She searched the kitchen and the room but found no sign of anyone. She opened the door and went to sit on one of the chopped tree trunks. She looked at the sky and the clouds, then lowered her head and watched a small ladybug walking slowly over the barren ground. She sighed and said:

“I miss them; Noah, my grandmother, my mother, and... my father.”

A tear fell from Sophie’s eye onto the ladybug. She watched it lose its balance but continue walking slowly after regaining it:

“If my father were alive, would things be different than they are now? Would my mother have been happy and cheerful?”

Sophie wiped the tear from her eye and looked at the quiet house:

“My mother has changed since my father’s death. She used to be happy and cheerful, but after his death, her features became rigid, and even her smile suggested sadness. I still remember that day when I heard her crying in her room. She was holding a picture of my father and kept repeating, ‘I am the reason, I am the reason.’”

Sophie sighed deeply and said: “I don’t know what she meant by that. If I were closer to my mother, listening to her and consoling her, I would know what is troubling her. But instead, all I care about is playing.”

Sophie’s eyes filled with tears: “I am a bad daughter, a bad daughter.”

She lowered her head, and her crying intensified every time she repeated, “I am a bad daughter.” But a loud crashing sound from inside the house startled Sophie, making her look at it in confusion:

“What is that sound? Did they appear?!”

She ran quickly to the house and opened the door, surprised to find a table with four chairs, laden with steaming food. She approached the table with a look of astonishment. There was vegetable soup, pieces of hot bread, slices of cheese and meat, and a hot teapot with steam rising from its spout. Sophie couldn’t believe her eyes. The smell was so sweet and delicious that made her stomach growl with hunger. A wide smile spread across her face, and said happily:

“This food was prepared for me. Thank you, thank you very much.”

She jumped with joy, but the sound of a glass breaking under her feet made her stop:

“What is this? Is this a picture?” she said as she inspected the broken picture frame. She gently picked up the picture to find it was of a man and a woman, with two girls who looked about Sophie’s age. The picture was old, making the features of the people unclear:

“It seems these are the residents of this house, but where did this picture come from?”

Sophie looked around and was surprised to see the wall of the upper stairs filled with many pictures. Some were of the couple dressed in wedding clothes, others of the two girls, whose ages ranged from infancy to around Sophie’s age. There were also some pictures of people she didn’t recognize.

She kept examining the pictures until the sound of her hungry stomach stopped her:

“I will fix the frame of this picture after I eat breakfast,” she said aloud and headed to the table to enjoy her delicious, hot meal.

After eating, she fixed the picture’s frame and hung it with the rest of the photos. She washed the dishes, cleaned the table, and went outside the house to arrange her belongings in her bag:

“Oh, all these fruits have spoiled. Oh, the smell is disgusting.”

All the fruits Sophie had picked from the fruit trees were spoiled, and even the water bottle had turned green and smelled foul:

“What is wrong with the color of this water? Has it also spoiled?” she wondered.

However, the cheese her grandmother put in her the back had remained in good condition, unlike the fruits and water that had spoiled quickly. Sophie took a bite of the cheese, which made her remember their small farm and the goats her father brought when she was young. Her mother used to make the best cheese from goat milk in the village, and they all enjoyed eating it. A sad smile appeared on Sophie’s lips as she wrapped the cheese in a piece of cloth and put it inside her bag. Sophie searched the side pocket of the bag and found a picture folded in fours. She opened it to see a picture of her mother with coal-black hair and gray eyes that reflected beauty and optimism. Her mother looked like a cheerful woman with a wide smile and good health, unlike the woman she left sleeping at home, where paleness, illness, and sadness had hidden all her beautiful features. Next to her mother in the picture was a man with brown hair and black eyes, carrying a small child no more than a few months old. This man was her deceased father, and the child was her little brother, Noah, while Sophie, with a wide smile and wearing a pink dress, sat on a chair. Sophie kept looking at the picture and contemplating it, memories passing one after another before her eyes, reminding her of the happy times she thought would never go away. She leaned against the wall, placed the picture on her chest, and looked at the clear sky, listening to the birds chirping and feeling the calm breeze blowing through her hair. It was a moment of tranquility and peace that made Sophie slowly close her eyes and fall into a deep sleep, with two tears slowly falling down her soft cheeks.

Inside a quiet room, Sophie was sleeping deeply on a wide bed. No sound could be heard except for the sound of her regular breathing. Suddenly, a female voice called her name without stopping:

“Sophie, Sophie, Sophie.”

The persistent voice caused Sophie to open her eyes and look around. The voice kept calling her name until Sophie got up from the bed and headed toward the source of the sound. She searched every room in the house, but there was no trace of the voice’s source. The voice continued saying her name until Sophie spotted a shadow of a person outside the garden from the kitchen window. Sophie watched the shadow in silence and anticipation. The shadow moved rhythmically, picking up something from a plate, throwing its contents with a graceful movement, pausing for a moment, and repeating the process. As the features of the shadow began to appear, Sophie saw that it was a woman of medium height, wearing a brown dress and a white apron. Her black hair shone like a black ruby in the sunlight. The woman turned toward the window and smiled at Sophie, who was shocked and rubbed her eyes vigorously. Sophie realized the woman feeding the chickens and smiling at her was her mother. Sophie smiled back and waved cheerfully, but her mother’s sudden fall to the ground made Sophie’s heart beat with fear. She rushed to the door to check on her mother, but it wouldn’t open. She turned the door handle repeatedly, but it wouldn’t budge. She went to the window and saw her mother still lying unconscious, with chickens circling her, eating from the plate of wheat that had fallen from her hands. Sophie tried to open the door again, but it refused to open:

“Why won’t this damned door open? I have to go to my mother!” she shouted.

Suddenly, she noticed a man standing next to her mother:

“Who is this man?” Sophie wondered.

The man turned to Sophie and looked at her with mysterious eyes. Sophie took a step back, put her hand over her mouth, and said in a trembling voice:

“dad!!”

Her father, who had died several years ago, was standing a few steps away, carrying her mother on his back and looking at Sophie silently:

“Dad, Dad, this is me, Sophie, your daughter. Do you hear me, Dad, this is me, Sophie”?

she screamed and hit the window glass hard, but her father looked at her calmly and silently He then turned his head and moved with calm steps, leaving the garden:

“Dad, stop, don’t go, please stop!”

Sophie kept screaming, but her father didn’t stop walking. She ran to the door, trying to open it, but it remained steadfast against her attempts. She returned to the window and saw her father leaving the garden with her mother on his back until they slowly disappeared from sight:

“No, please, father, come back, don’t go, please let me go with you. Don’t leave me here alone. Please, Daddy, Mommy, come back!”

Sophie kept screaming, tears streaming down her cheeks, but her father didn’t stop walking, and the door refused to open. She continued screaming until she woke up in fear and panic from the nap she had taken in front of the confessional door. She looked around to find her bag still next to her and the picture she was holding tightly. The sun had begun to set. Sophie placed her hand on her heart, which was beating strongly, and leaned against the wall of the house, breathing hard. She felt as if she had been running a long distance. She breathed slowly and closed her eyes:

“What a strange dream. I almost died of terror watching my mother and father leaving me behind.”

She opened her eyes and looked at the sky and wondered:

“What a strange dream?”

Then she suddenly sat up straight and said in a trembling and worried voice:

“Has something bad happened to mum? Does her illness become more severe?”

These thoughts terrified Sophie and made her stand up in fear:

“Oh mum, her condition must have become worse than before. I have to find that candy store myself. Staying here won’t do me any good and I might be late bringing medicine for my mother, and… what happened to my father will happen to my mother.”

This idea terrified Sophie, and she did not want to think about it. She quickly gathered her things inside the bag and went in to change her clothes. She put the blue dress back in the closet as she had found it the first time, then stood looking at it:

“I cannot stay in this house for another day and wait for you to come and guide me to the store. I am grateful for everything you have done for me, but I must complete this journey alone.”

Sophie closed the door of the empty house and headed, without a specific destination, toward an unknown fate, across a vast and empty land, determined to search for the candy store herself.

“I don’t know if this road I’m taking is the road that leads to the store, but my grandmother told me that the confessional house is the last stop of the journey, so the store must be nearby.”

Sophie was talking to herself as she continued walking, moving between the scattered trees and over the carelessly spread stones. her breathing increased with every step, and drops of sweat slowly poured from her forehead. She felt a tingling sensation in her foot due to the continuous walking, so she decided to sit on one of the split trees to inspect her foot. She removed her shoe to empty the small stones and some dirt from it, while her feet were swollen and red, made her feel the pain. Sophie patted her feet slowly and spoke to herself:

“I have been walking for a long time, but there is no sign of the store, and this land seems endless. I feel as if I am walking in a circle.” She looked behind her, searching for a sign of something different from the wide land, but shock overtook her features.

The house she thought was so far away still seemed clearly behind her, standing tall as if she had only walked a few steps. She couldn’t believe her eyes and stood in shock:

“No…it’s not possible…how…how did this happen? Why is the house still here? I walked for a long time until my feet swelled, but the house is still here.”

Sophie was in shock and confusion, which made her rub her eyes multiple times. She couldn’t believe that what happened to her was real:

“Am I dreaming again? Is this really happening?”

She put on her shoes and looked mysteriously towards the house:

“No, you won’t force me to stay here. Inside this house, I will search for the candy store myself. Do you hear me? My mother needs me.”

She turned to the other side and started jogging, then running. She ran quickly, sometimes without stopping. She jumped over the scattered trees, occasionally falling because she didn’t notice one of them, then got up again and continued her run at a faster speed than before. While she was running, she looked behind her and was surprised for the second time. What she thought was a dream and imagination was real—the house behind her, in its place, seemed lofty, not far away or difficult to see, but rather close. There were almost a few steps that led her to the front door of the house.

Sophie sat on the ground in shock and confusion, looking at the house with wide eyes that couldn’t believe what they see:

“How…how could this happen? I don’t understand.”

The wind began to blow strongly, carrying drops of rain in its gusts until heavy rain fell without stopping. Sophie remained in her place, sitting, with her eyes directed towards the house in front of her. Drops of tears began to slowly fall down her cheek until it became a waterfall of tears that refused to stop. She started to cry, and with every breath, the crying became more intense:

“Mom I’m sorry, I failed.”

She kept repeating her words while covering her eyes with her elbow:

“I was angry because my father left. Home is no longer the place I used to love. I started avoiding being in it. So you’re sad, mom, aren’t you? That night when you were crying and saying, ‘I’m the reason.’ You… you think, mother, that you are the reason for everything that happened to me, so your heart is broken and sad. Oh, mother, how foolish I was. I kept moving away from you little by little, until I became ignorant of your deep sadness. I thought that my father was the one who made the house a wonderful place, but I forgot that you love me and care for me. I am a selfish daughter, and I am the reason. I was selfish from the beginning, so you are sick. I am the reason.”

Sophie continued to cry and weep, but the sudden stop of the rain made her look around with her reddened and swollen eyes, wondering:

“The rain has stopped, even the wind has calmed.”

But what increased Sophie’s wonder was the smoke rising from the house’s chimney. The windows of the house, which Sophie had left closed with the curtains drawn, were now open as if they are welcoming the fresh breeze and the bright sunshine. She got up and headed towards the house with expectant steps. She knocked lightly on the door, but there was no answer. She put her hand on the door handle to open it, but a female voice said: “I’m coming,” make her take a few steps back in surprise. After a few seconds, the door opened, and Sophie was surprised by a woman wearing a dress decorated with colorful flowers and an apron wrapped around her waist. The woman looked at her with a cheerful smile and said in a gentle and lively voice:

“Hello, did the wind bring you here, my little one? Oh my God, you are completely wet. You will catch a cold like this. Come in. We were about to have lunch. You can join us.”

Sophie looked at the woman in shock and surprise. The house she had left empty and lifeless now welcomed her and its occupants.

“Who’s at the door, mom?” a voice of a girl behind the woman said

The woman turned towards the voice and said:

“It seems that we have a guest. Add a plate because she will share the lunch with us.” Then the woman turned towards Sophie and continued:

“Isn’t that so, my little one? Oh excuse me you probably have a name but I keep calling you my little one, what is your name?”

Sophie said faintly:

“Sophie.”

The lady smiled and said:

“It’s a beautiful name. I have two daughters your age who will be happy to meet you.”

Then the woman looked over Sophie’s shoulder, and a look of surprise appeared on her features that turned into disappointment:

“Why did you bring oranges? You know that I want to make an apple pie for the girls.”

A masculine voice behind Sophie said:

“Oh, I forgot. I kept thinking I forgot something, but I didn’t know that it was apples.”

The woman said regretfully:

“You always forget the most important things.”

Sophie turned to find the source of the male voice, but the green color that was covering the place and the tall trees spread everywhere made her rub her eyes in shock to make sure that what she was seeing was real and not a dream. green meadows, tall trees, roses spread among the small meadows, and green grass that danced with the breeze of the wind created a view that looked like an artistic painting that enchants the viewer. The woman’s voice brought Sophie out of her shock and astonishment:

“Sophie, this is my husband who always forgets.”

Sophie looked at the man who was standing next to her; he was wearing a straw hat and carrying a basket full of delicious-looking oranges. The man smiled kindly and said:

“Welcome to the confessional house. As you can see, our house appears humble, but it contains secrets that amaze its visitors.” and winked with his right eye:

“I hope you like oranges. I brought a basket large enough for an army.” And start laughing loudly.

The woman looked at her husband with dissatisfaction and said:

“Stop your silly jokes. Don’t mind what he says; he always likes to tell jokes. Let’s go and have lunch.”

The woman entered the house and her husband followed her. Then the husband turned to Sophie and said:

“You can leave the door open. The breeze is nice at this time of day and always brings unexpected guests.” Then he headed inside with a smile on his lips.

Sophie remained standing in her place in shock. Everything seemed like a strange and surreal dream. Moments before, she was crying non-stop, surrounded by sadness and despair. Now everything radiated beauty and optimism. Even the woman and her husband seemed peaceful and carefree, as if life were fine and everything was alright. These thoughts made her breathe a sigh of relief, drawing a slight smile on her lips.

Sophie left the door of the house open and headed inside slowly, remembering the feelings she had when she first entered the house but the smell of delicious food, the sounds of laughter and talking, and the dishes and chairs being placed were indeed different. Inside, exactly where the dining table was, sat the lady, her husband, and their two daughters—one with shiny black hair and the other with brown hair. They were all sitting peacefully at the lunch table. The brown-haired girl looked at Sophie with a smile and motioned for her to sit on the empty chair to share lunch with them. Sophie timidly sat down, and a plate of hot soup and a piece of soft bread was placed in front of her. The black-haired girl said:

“It is vegetable soup. All the vegetables in this soup were picked from our garden. Did you see it?”

Sophie turned her head right and left and said:

“No, I didn’t.”

And the brown-haired girl said:

“After lunch, we will take you on a tour of our garden. It is large and amazing. We grow all kinds of vegetables in it...”

Then the father interrupted the girl’s words and said in a loud voice:

“Except apples.” And let out a loud laugh.

The two girls looked at him with dissatisfaction, and the brown-haired girl said:

“Father, since when did you consider apples to be vegetables?”

The woman said in a resigned voice:

“his jokes are...” The woman looked at Sophie and said:

“Don’t care about what he says; he likes to joke. Come on, eat your food before it gets cold.” And everyone began to eat quietly.

After eating the delicious lunch and listening to the father’s silly jokes, as his wife said, they all headed outside to enjoy the sunshine and the fresh breeze. The man and woman were sitting under the shade of one of the trees eating oranges, while the two girls were introducing and explaining to Sophie the various vegetables grown in their garden:

“Here are cucumbers, and this one is for radishes, and green peppers are grown here.”

The house’s garden was indeed large and beautiful, with various vegetables of all sizes and shapes. Sophie admired the garden and its contents. The smile had not left her lips since the introductory tour of the garden began.

“Girls, come and eat oranges. They are delicious,”

the man waved his hand and called out to them. The two girls ran excitedly towards him, making Sophie run as well. They sat down to eat oranges under the shade of the tree while contemplating the beauty of the place around them.

“We were supposed to have apple pie, but these oranges are incredibly delicious,” the woman said. The man nodded in agreement. The brown-haired girl turned to Sophie and said:

“We have an orange field behind that meadow,” and she pointed toward a high, green meadow. “We also have an apple field,” added the black-haired girl with a smile.

Sophie looked at her in amazement and said: “Really?” The girl nodded affirmatively. The woman asked:

“Do you like apples, Sophie?”

Sophie replied: “Yes, they were my father’s favorite fruit. He always dreamed of owning an apple orchard.” Then she lowered her head and continued: “But his dream did not come true.”

“You mean it wasn’t fulfilled,” the black-haired girl said gently. Sophie raised her head and looked at the girl, who continued:

“A dream isn’t fulfilled if there’s no motivation. Motivation is half the dream, and action is the other half.”

The brown-haired girl chimed in:

“As long as your father was motivated, his dream is not yet complete.”

“But my father is dead” Sophie said sadly.

“But you are still here, and you can fulfill your father’s dream and make it a reality,” the brown-haired girl said and her sister agreed:

“Yes, you have a spirit of courage and adventure, so your father’s dream can become a reality if you work to achieve it.”

Sophie sighed slowly and looked around, contemplating the beauty and splendor of nature, then she smiled lovingly:

“When my father was telling me about his dream, passion and enthusiasm never left his eyes. He seemed to me like a legendary hero from my grandmother’s stories, the hero who knows no fear and who will save the world and eliminate evil. I loved listening to him, but after his death, I thought that the good times and his dream were gone and would never return. But I realized after it’s too late that my mother, my grandmother, my little brother Noah, and my father’s dream were always around me.”

She lowered her head and said regretfully:

" I regret letting myself be sad about things while a beautiful life was right in front of me, and I didn’t appreciate it.”

The woman gently held Sophie’s hand and said:

“But it is not too late.”

Sophie raised her head to the woman who smiled kindly at her:

“You still have that family and… the dream.”

“But my mother is sick,” Sophie said. “and if I don’t find the candy store, I might lose her like I lost my father.” Sophie said with concern, then the man smiled and said:

“If you want the candy store, it is close to you, but what matters is that you believe that she will be fine and that you have a good and healthy heart within your ribs.”

“A healthy heart,” Sophie said faintly, then asked eagerly:

“Do you know where the store is? Can you guide me to it?”

The man smiled and said: “The store is not far away, and perhaps its owner is waiting for you, but remember, what will help your mother is faith, strong faith, and the goodness of your heart.”

The smell of cinnamon, lemon, and mint crossed Sophie’s nose, making her open her eyes curiously in search of the source. She found a group of cakes and sweets of different shapes and colors, elegantly arranged on shelves. But what caught Sophie’s attention most were the vibrant colors that filled the place. The entire floor was covered with a purple carpet, and the ceiling was yellow, adorned with a giant chandelier sparkling with lights that made Sophie look at it with astonishment and admiration. The walls were decorated with wallpaper of tree leaves in different shapes, and the sofa on which Sophie was sitting on was green, like the color of the grass in the spring.

Sophie stood looking around with admiration and amazement, wondering where she was. The air was filled with the scent of cinnamon, lemon, and mint, and the shelves were filled with various sweets and cakes, making Sophie certain that she was in the candy store her grandmother had told her about and which she had been searching for throughout her adventure. Sophie sighed slowly, a smile of relief appearing on her lips as she said:

“Finally.”

Tears began to gather in her eyes when she heard a gentle voice behind her:

“Sophie.”

She turned quickly to find a woman wearing a blue dress, her brown hair carefully and elegantly tied, carrying a white apron and smiling sweetly at her:

“Welcome to the candy store.”

Her low, reassuring voice made Sophie smile automatically and say:

“Thank you.”

The woman put on the apron and tied it lightly and gracefully around her. Then she headed towards the display counter, clasping her hands over it and looking at Sophie gently:

“How can I help you?”

Sophie approached and said:

“Oh, actually, I am…”

She sighed slowly and continued:

“My journey here was, uh, I don’t know if it was long or short. Everything seemed strange since the day I started. My journey was not tiring, but rather interesting and enjoyable. I met people and found myself in places that were stranger than usual.”

Sophie looked at the woman and said with a smile:

“I came here for one reason, which is to help my mother. She is bedridden, and as my grandmother told me, you make sweets from useful herbs that help heal diseases that are difficult to cure. I would be grateful if you had the cure for my mother’s illness.”

After a moment, the woman said:

“And if I didn’t have the medicine, what would you do, Sophie?”

Sophie was silent for a moment, then said with a smile:

“That’s okay.”

A slightly surprised expression appeared on the woman’s face, and looked at Sophie with great interest while Sophie continued:

“You know, I was excited to find the store and met its owner, but...”

Sophie looked around and then continued:

“Here I am, but the feeling of enthusiasm has died down and a feeling of peace has come over me, as if everything is fine, as if...”

The woman finished Sophie’s words and said:

“It’s as if your mission has been completed and your mother is fine.”

Sophie looked at the woman and said:

“Yes, that’s exactly how it feels.”

The woman smiled and said:

“Then there’s no need for my help.”

“But is my mother really okay? Is she really fine?” Sophie asked

The woman replied:

“You are a good daughter with a good heart. You didn’t hesitate to help your mother and be by her side in the days to come. Your goal wasn’t to return to how things were before, as many people unfortunately do, because the past cannot be undone when things change. We must adapt to change and look forward with hope instead of dwelling on the past with regrets. Your acknowledgment of your mistakes, Sophie, is the best evidence of your maturity and hope for a better future. You believe that the future days will be filled with memories that you will create with your mother and you will be by her side, sharing both joys and sorrows.”

Tears streamed down Sophie’s cheeks like raindrops. She lowered her head, and the tears fell incessantly onto the purple carpet, which quickly absorbed them like a sponge. The woman opened a drawer in one of the cupboards behind her, took out a white box, and approached Sophie calmly:

“Raise your head, my dear,” the woman said gently.

Sophie slowly lifted her head toward the woman:

“This cake is made from black seed. Have you heard of it before?”

Sophie looked at the box, then back at the woman, and shake her head:

“No, I have no idea.”

The woman kindly explained:

“It’s an herb with blue to gray flowers that, when mature and harvested, consists of very black grains about the size of a lentil.”

Sophie nodded in recognition:

“Oh, I remember it now. My mother always puts some in the cheese she makes.”

The woman smiled warmly:

“Exactly. It can be added to cheese, soups, and even bread. It adds a distinctive flavor in addition to its many benefits.”

She extended the box to Sophie and said:

“This cake is a gift for your visit to my store.”

Sophie took the box carefully, then opened it to reveal a small, round, white cake decorated with cream-colored flowers of different hues:

“It’s beautiful,” Sophie exclaimed happily.

Then the woman smiled kindly:

“I’m glad you like it. It will taste better if you share it with your family.”

Sophie grinned gratefully at the woman:

“I will. Thank you for this lovely gift.”

The woman smiled back at Sophie, then walked toward the glass display window, clasping her hands on the table:

“Sophie, do you know what season we are in now?”

Sophie looked at the woman in surprise, then glanced to her right, searching for a window overlooking the outside. A beam of light came through another side, causing her to turn in surprise. The intensity of the light increased until it bathed the entire area.

The sound of birds and the breeze rustling through Sophie’s hair made her open her eyes slowly, curiosity creeping in. At first, she saw a vague green color, but as her vision cleared, she found herself in a garden extending before her. Sophie’s gaze shifted to the apple tree, the chicken coop, and the rooster that always perched on the roof. She stood up in astonishment and shock, the feeling intensifying when she heard a small voice calling her name:

“Sophie, Sophie.”

Turning toward the source of the sound, she saw her little brother Noah running quickly toward her: “Sophie, my sister, you’ve come back!”

Noah’s fast approach made Sophie smile with longing and tenderness. Her brother ran into her arms, and she hugged him tightly:

“I missed you, my little hero. I missed you so much.” Tears flowed freely onto his brown hair.

“Sophie?”

A soft, surprised voice, despite its quietness, caused Sophie’s heart to race. She lifted her head toward the source, her eyes widening in astonishment. There stood her mother, her black hair dancing in the breeze, holding her grandmother’s hand and looking at Sophie with her dark eyes.

“Mom, are you... are you okay?” Sophie stood in shock, grasping her mother’s hand. With shock and astonishment, she inspected her mother’s hand, wrinkled from work and her tireless care for the family and home. Then she lowered her head and kissed her mother’s hand deeply and gratefully, and hugged her tightly:

“I’m sorry, Mom. I’m so sorry. Your daughter, Sophie, apologizes for the pain I’ve caused you. You’ve always been by my side, and your shadow followed me wherever I went. But the day you get sick, your shadow wasn’t there, and I was afraid it would disappear forever.”

Between Sophie’s sniffles and tears, she hugged her mother tightly, her tears refusing to stop. Her mother spoke tenderly:

“What matters is that you’re here, and everything will be fine.” Sophie looked at her mother and asked:

“But are you really okay? Are you in any pain?”

The mother replied:

“Do not worry, my dear. I am fine and I do not feel any pain, but…”

“What is the matter?” Sophie said in a terrified and worried voice.

The mother patted Sophie’s hand and said reassuringly:

“Do not worry, it is not something dangerous. What I want to say is that you were, still are, and will remain my daughter, no matter how many mistakes you think you’ve made. I will always love you as I always have, and I want you to know that this house is not a strange place to avoid. This house is your home, our home together. I know that you loved your father very much and were very close to him, and his death was a shock to you, but do not forget, I am here and I will always be here. You are my daughter, and I will always be your mother.” And hugged her daughter tightly.

Then the grandmother approached and said:

“And so will I, even though I didn’t get a hug.”

Sophie and her mother smiled at the grandmother’s words, embracing in a group hug. Noah ran toward them, saying:

“I want a hug too.”

After their long embrace, the mother said:

“Let’s go inside for breakfast. I set the table while ago.”

“Breakfast! I’m so hungry.” Noah exclaimed and ran into the house.

Then the mother called out to him:

“Noah, your shoes! They’re dirty.”

Sophie smiled at them, then remembered the cake:

“Mom, wait, I have something for you.” She opened her bag. “I went to the bakery, where the owner gave me a cake to eat it together.”

Sophie pulled the white box from the bag, and Noah quickly approached, saying:

“I want some cake.”

Noah opened the bag and searched inside, only to find cheese:

“But where’s the cake? There’s only cheese.”

He looked at his sister with despair, holding a piece of soft white cheese in his hand.

Sophie looked at the cheese in confusion and said while holding out the white box:

“Noah, don’t worry, the cake is right here

Noah looked at the box happily and snatched it from his sister’s hand. With the cake in his small hands, he hurried into the house:

“Wait, Noah, let’s eat breakfast first, then you can have some,” the mother said, concerned that he might eat the cake all by himself.

“I don’t want just a little, I want all of it,” Noah replied quickly as he disappeared into the house.

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Sophie stood there, confused, then she called after her mother:

“Mom, wait!”

Her mother turned to Sophie, who said:

“This cheese,” as she pulled it out of her bag. “Is it the cheese you made, or is it the one from the market?”

Her mother examined the cheese and replied:

“It’s the cheese I made yesterday. I left some for you to taste when you got back from playing. Bring it to breakfast, but why was it in your bag? It will spoil quickly if left in a damp, enclosed place.”

As their mother went inside, Sophie stood there, shocked and incredulous at what she had just heard. The grandmother approached Sophie, taking the bag and cheese from her hand. Sophie turned to her grandmother, saying in astonishment:

“Grandma, what does she mean when she said yesterday... I mean…I was gone for more than a day right? I don’t understand. And Mom looks fine and in good health, even though she didn’t eat the cake that I brought from the candy store, as you told me.”

Sophie looked at her grandmother in confusion. The grandmother sighed and said:

“Your mother doesn’t know or remember what happened. She woke up this morning as if nothing had happened. I was surprised too, and asked her if she was okay. She said she had a slight headache, but it went away after a deep sleep. she woke up Noah and made breakfast. She was acting normally. Then she went up to your room to wake you up when Noah saw you from the house window and ran down to you.”

Sophie listened to her grandmother in shock, then asked:

“Is this what happened to my father?”

The grandmother looked at the apple tree and replied sadly:

“I didn’t get to the confession house. When I opened my eyes, I found myself standing in front of that apple tree and I heard your mother crying from her room window.”

Sophie looked at her grandmother and asked:

“But why... Why didn’t you finish your journey? Why didn’t you reach to the confession house?”

The grandmother answered:

“My pride and greed got in the way. Your father had dreams and ambitions too big for my selfish mind and heart to comprehend, but I wanted him to give them up and take care of his wife, children, and the house. When he fell ill, I didn’t want the responsibility to fall on me, so I looked for ways to heal him, hoping things would return to normal. I wanted things to go back to how they were. I feared change, and it caused me to lose him faster than I expected.”

The grandmother quickly wiped away a couple of tears from her cheek and looked at her granddaughter:

“The night before he fell ill, he came to me and said, ’Mother, this dream that I want will not be forgotten, it will be an indelible memory.” The grandmother smiled while looking at Sophie and continued, “And he was right.”

Sophie hugged her grandmother and said:

“This dream has become our dream, and we will achieve it together.”

The grandmother patted her granddaughter on the back and said with a reassuring smile:

“Certainly.”