Lucky 13

At the sound of her mother's voice she hopped out of bed and tied her tattered pink robe around her with a meaningful tug. The closer she got to the kitchen, the more she was consumed by the smell of fried eggs, garlic potatos, biscuits, bacon, and blueberry muffins. It was her birthday breakfast.

She stopped just short of the kitchen and peeked around the corner to spy on her mother. She was swaying gracefully to the strings and piano sounds coming from the radio box. Her tone legs told tales of worn out ballet slippers and extravagant costumes all in the name of dance. Her golden hair permitted a breeze from the back door to lazily toss it around her cheeks and frame her soft brown eyes.

"Good morning Mama."

"Good morning starshine!"she exclaimed as she turned to her daughter. "Happy birthday!" she paused for a moment, hands clasped in front of her looking over the face and frame of her daughter. Then sighing she said, "Here's your plate. Eat quick like because the carriage will be here soon and you still have to get dressed."

"Carriage? I'm going away?"
"Yes Troova. It's your thirteenth birthday! I told you about this, remember?"
"Yes, but I didn't think I had to leave you to get 'hosted'. What does that mean Mama?"
"You'll see! You'll see!" she smiled. But it was a strange smile that didn't fully met her eyes.
"But Mama, I'm scared!" Troova said.
"The only thing you have to be afraid of is the unknown, and that alone won't hurt you. Now eat up!"

Nervously Troova ate while thinking of possible situations that a hosting consisted of. But before she was allowed to let her mind wander, her mother reminded her to get dressed.