Anna's Unicorn

Anna was vacationing in Hawaii again. It was fun, but she was getting bored. She missed her friends and her ballet class. But she'd be back in three weeks. She went down to the dining room, where her mother was. "Can I go exploring?" she asked. Her mom nodded and continued her conversation. Anna ran out the door and wondered where she should go. There was a small forest nearby, and it looked cool and inviting. Anna decided to explore in there. There was a path leading into the forest, and Anna began walking along, sniffing flowers and watching lizards scurry around on rocks. Then she heard it! It sounded sort of like a horse and it came from her right. Anna knew she should keep to the path, but she was like Alice: very curious. She walked towards the sound, hoping it wasn't a hurt animal. She went a long way before she spotted something. It was a small cave, hollowed from rock. The noise came from inside the cave. Suddenly something came out. Anna gasped and stepped back. It was a small, four legged creature. It looked like a cross between a horse and a goat. It had a long, silvery horn poking out of its forehead, between its ears. A unicorn! The unicorn was completely white, except for its hooves, horn, and eyes. The horn and hooves were silver. Its eyes were a soft lilac. Anna and the unicorn circled each other. Finally, the unicorn neighed and nudged Anna's arm with its horn. Its voice was definitely that of a horse. Anna reached out cautiously with one hand. The unicorn stepped back and looked at Anna nervously. Anna lowered her hand and said." Its okay. I won't hurt you." The unicorn tossed its head and looked at her. Very slowly, Anna put up her hand and stroked its neck. It had a very short mane and a stubby tail. It also had a short, wispy beard, like a goat's. It was magnificent! "I'm going to call you Silver." Anna whispered. The unicorn nodded as if he understood. Then Silver tossed his head again and trotted into the cave. Anna waited for a while, but when the unicorn didn't come out again, she left. * * * * * * * * The next day, Anna took a cube of sugar and an apple for the unicorn. Horses liked those treats, but she wasn't sure if Silver would. Anna hoped she would remember where the cave was. Luckily, she did remember. "Silver!" she called softly. "I brought you something." A whinny came from inside the cave, and Silver walked out. He nudged Anna's hand and then stepped back, waiting expectantly. Anna held out the apple, but Silver wouldn't take it from her hand. Anna put the sugar and apple on a rock and then moved away. Silver advanced slowly and picked up the apple. He watched Anna as he ate it. Then he ate the sugar. Anna went over to him and patted his nose. They stood together for about a minute, then Silver went back inside his cave. * * * * * * * * As the days passed, Silver and Anna became good friends. He came when he was called, and allowed Anna to hug him. She brought him apples and sugar and, when she could, oats. Then it happened. Anna wondered if, one day, she could ride Silver. Riding a unicorn must be different from riding a regular horse. She decided to train him. The next time she went, she called him. Silver trotted to her. Using sugar as bait, Anna lured him over next to a rock. While Sugar was eating, Anna climbed up and sat on his back. Silver neighed with terror and Anna got off to soothe him. Then, stroking his neck, Anna sat on his back again. Silver squirmed, but relaxed after a while. Anna did this every day until Silver was used to it. Then she moved him up. Anna climbed up on Silver just as usual, but today she gave him a soft kick. Silver started. Anna kicked him again, while whispering soothingly. Hesitantly. Silver began walking. Anna sat astride his back, smiling in triumph. They progressed every day. Soon Anna felt as if she was flying. Silver could gallop much faster than an ordinary horse. It was wonderful! * * * * * * * * Anna ran to the forest as usual and mounted Silver as usual. But this time, she noticed something new. On each side of Silver's back was a feathery stub. Anna prodded it and Silver neighed. "Gosh!" Anna said worriedly. "I hope you're okay." As the days flew by, the stubs got longer and wider. Then one day, Anna came and saw Silver flying over his cave. When he saw Anna, he came down beside her. Anna began laughing. "A unicorn with wings!" she cried. "So that's all it was." Rather timidly, Anna mounted and urged Silver forward. Silver started to gallop, but after a few feet, he lifted off of the ground. Up they went, over the forest. Anna hugged the unicorn tightly and looked down. It was amazing! They were flying over the tallest trees and sailing over the clouds. After a while, Silver brought Anna down by his cave and went inside. Anna went home and dreamed of flying over the moon. The next day, Anna took an apple and raced to the cave. "Silver!" she called. "Come here." Nothing. Anna went into the cave. There wasn't anything in it. Anna went back outside and looked around. She brightened. Hoof-prints led to the left. Maybe Silver was just getting a snack or something. Anna followed the tracks, but after a few feet, they disappeared. Silver had flown away. Anna sadly returned, hoping Silver wasn't in trouble. The next day was the last day of vacation. As the plane was airborne, Anna knew she'd never forget the sensation of flying through the air on Silver's back. She'd miss him, but maybe it was all for the best.

Copyright 2000 by Chantessy