TheFairyAndHerFavouriteLittleGnome

Once upon a time, there lived a a fairy with her little gnomes. She found comfort in her little gnomes' presence despite the constant displeasure of the community with their rowdy and ill-disciplined behaviour. They always made her laugh; and they always made her cry too. But most importantly, they loved her and appreciated her presence, just like how she loved them and valued their company.

The fairy had one favourite gnome whom she always gave priority among the rest. He would get the most attention and most candy as compared to the rest. He, in turn, would spend his time with her and always made her day. He would work hard to better his magical skills and the fairy would feel a certain pride that her little favourite gnome was doing well. The fairy had no doubt that he would be successful in life and looked forward to the day that he was awarded the highest honour for his achievement in his magical skills.

Alas, the fairy made a decision to move on with her life, leaving behind what she had built for the past few years. It was a difficult decision for her but if she didn't do it then, she would never do it. She expected her favourite little gnome to continue what he had been doing; working hard in his magical skills and aiming to achieve the highest level.

But what he did broke her heart; he lost his will to pursue his craft and not wanting to worry her, kept his departure from the magical world a secret. When she found out, she tried as her might to change his decision but to no avail. She respected his decision and hoped that he would now pursue his other dream.

Months passed and the favourite little gnome was still living in his shell. The fairy couldn't reach out to him anymore because he had created an invisible barrier to oust her out of his life. Everytime she saw him, he was a ghost of his former self; aloof and alone. It pained her that he was stagnant, so unlike him.

One day, the fairy asked him, "If I were not to move on, would you continue your magical studies?"

The little gnome answered, "Yes."

The fairy had always pondered if her decision to move on was wise. Everything had been perfect in her new life except for her worry for her little favourite gnome. She loathed the idea of regretting any decisions that she made; but this was one decision that would haunt her for the rest of her life.

Everytime the fairy met up with her favourite little gnome, she would stare at him and muse. And she would pray that he would morph back to his original self, the little gnome who always made her day.