Flowers and Butterflies

by Jeff

Once there was an old woman who lived in a little house near a quiet lake. She was famous for her kindness and artistry; but more than that, her beautiful garden of flowers had always been the talk of the town. She was also rumored to have been practicing magical powers and performing spells—her flower garden was always in bloom, and her house always bright even at night. Many believed she's an enchantress in disguise.

A young couple from a nearby town soon came to look for the famous flower garden. They heard about the old woman and since they were quite wealthy, they sought for her with the intention of buying her flower garden.

The couple found the old woman's garden and started collecting flowers in amusement. Now, the old woman was just coming home from a long walk, and when she saw the two, she asked them to leave: "You did not even ask, you just took!" she exclaimed. The old couple kept picking flowers and even had the nerve to insult the woman because she was old and ugly.

The old woman took her cane and swished it wildly, aiming at the couple.

And they turned into butterflies.