Fairy Della was very excited. Today was a very important day, because the experiment that had lasted fifteen years was going to end.
No, fairies, elves and trolls had switched places between their children and human children before, the tradition was centuries old. But she, Della, had done it in a special way. Then, fifteen years ago, Della had found a foster family for her daughter not in the village, as had always been the case, but in the city.
By the way, the substitution went surprisingly well, little Alfie even looked like Della's daughter Estella. Alfie, by the way, turned out to be very gifted, and already knew how to play many musical instruments. But, there is nothing to do, the law is the law, and it's time to change the girls back. But before telling about the switch to Alfie (who knew nothing), Della went to town to meet Estella.
Some might notice:
- And how will she find this daughter of hers if she last saw her when she was a year old and now almost sixteen?
And they'd be right. But the experiment wouldn't have been an experiment if Della hadn't kept an eye on her daughter's foster family. She'd lost sight of her for a few years, though. The last time they'd seen each other was when Estella was thirteen. She was doing well at school, and, like Alfie, was practicing music.
- If she hasn't changed, I think we can be friends," Della decided, and set out to find her.
By the time she got to where Estella's family lived, it was getting dark. There were several skater girls in the park, a little younger than Estella, and Della thought they might know where she was.
- Girls," she called out to them, "have you seen Estella?
- Who are you? - One of the girls asked.
- From music school? - the other one asked.
- If they know about the music school, they must really know each other, Della thought, and answered:
- Not exactly, I'm an acquaintance of her family. And I need to talk to her. There you go.
- Here she comes - showed the girl who asked about the music school, and added:
- There's no other Estella here.
Della looked in that direction, and... almost fell down. Because instead of a light and airy girl, like a fairy, in front of her stood... a punk, about which from the first time it was impossible to tell for sure whether it was a boy or a girl! The hair of this strange creature, was short, and dyed in colors that are not even in the rainbow! In addition, all of Estella's hands (and it was her) were tattooed. But Della still dared to approach her.
- Hello, Estella," she began, "don't you remember me? I used to come to your concerts sometimes when you were at music school.
- Well, let's say I do," Estella replied, "So what?
- I wanted to invite you to a concert, a symphony...
But Estella only wrinkled her nose squeamishly in response.
- Fuck the classics! I've had enough of it at music school, and now you! If you don't have tickets to our normal music, I'm outta here! Is that all of you?
- Yes," Della answered quietly. And Estella left. Della looked at her and sighed.
- That's what they are, twenty-first century changelings! - and with those words, Della went to Alfie.
The end