Chapter Two: Stormy Weather
824 Words
For the first time since she could remember Katya was scared. She was lost in a terrible storm and her thin clothes were no real help against the icy wind and rain. She wandered through the storm with no real sense of direction. Then she saw it, a bright light in the distance, she followed it her small body having to fight every step of the way against the storm.
She finally reached the bright light, and saw it was attached to one of the most expensive homes she had ever seen. It worried her, she couldn't go any further in this storm and from what she had always been told those who were wealthy didn't take to kindly to the poor. But at this point Katya had no choice. She pounded on the door with her tiny fists hoping that someone would hear her.
She was freezing and her strength failed just as the door opened. Poor Katya fell forward right into the arms of an older woman in her mid-forties. The woman caught the small child in her arms and brought her inside. She laid her near the fire and got her out of her freezing wet clothes. She ran into the bathroom and got a hot bath going, then after carrying the small child in, she bathed her, put her in a gown and put her into bed.
The woman stayed with Katya as she slept. Hours later the storm finally died down and the poor child still slept. The woman ended up making some hot stew for when the lost child woke up. She brought the two bowls of hot stew into the bedroom and the small child began to stir.
She was such a pretty child, she had dark brown hair and when she opened her eyes the woman smiled, they were a beautiful emerald green color. The poor child looked afraid at first...
Katya woke up smelling something delicious and her stomach growled, she couldn't remember the last time she had eaten. Her eyes opened and there sitting next to the comfortable bed was a very pretty woman. The woman smiled at her and Katya although scared gave her a small smile back.
“Are you hungry little one?” The woman asks.
Katya nods, “Yes please.” She says as quiet as a mouse.
The woman hands her one of the bowels and they both eat quietly. Katya finishes quickly her stomach filled for the first time in her entire life. The woman takes her bowl and sets it down.
“What's your name little one and why were you in that awful storm?” The woman asks.
“My name is Katya Ragica Nikolaevna, I'm seven years old. I was out looking for my papa when the storm came and I got lost.” Katya says.
“Well Katya it's nice to meet you my name is Natasha Anastasia Romanov. You can stay here as long as you'd like. I have fresh clothes waiting for you if you feel up to getting dressed.” Natalia says.
There was something about her, she felt regal like she came from somewhere special. Katya smiled and with Natalia's help she got dressed. They went and sat by the fire in the sitting room for a while.
“So, Katya do you often wander off by yourself?” Natalia asks.
“No Miss Natalia, I normally stay close to home, but I had to find papa he didn't come home. I think something happened to him.” Katya says quietly.
Natalya nodded, “Well what's his name?”
Katya told her, her father's name and a look of sadness came across Natalia's face. The poor little girl’s father had been one of the rebels put to death. His name along with the other had been in the newspaper. Natalia felt awful but she couldn't keep the truth from this sweet child. She needed to know the truth.
Katya could tell that something was wrong, especially when Natalia stood up and hugged her.
“I'm so sorry to tell you this sweet one. Your papa won’t be coming home, he got into trouble, and some bad people they killed him.”
Katya knew she was telling the truth she had no reason to lie to her. Katya started to quietly cry, she loved her papa and now he was gone. After a few moments Katya sniffled and put on a brave face. She had to be strong for her family, they needed her. Now more than ever.
Katya looked at Natalia, “Miss Natalia thank you for everything, but I have to get home to my family they need me.” She says.
Natalia nods, “Well then I’ll take you home in my car. There's no point in you walking all that way.”
Katya smiled and a few moments later they were on their way to Katya's home.
- Writer
