Epilogue- To dream forever

The voice is warm, aged by tears but sweet with joy.

“And there, in the doorway, he opens it—
—to see her. Still waiting for him.”

You can hear it.
The rustle of sheets.
A delighted gasp.

He lifts her into the air, arms wrapped around her in a bear hug so grand the stars might envy it.

She squeals in laughter—pure, wild, that magical laughter only a child can make when they feel utterly safe.

“Is there more, Daddy?” she asks through her giggles.

He chuckles, soft, deep in the chest.
That kind of chuckle that says everything is okay now.

“Oh yes, my child… For as long as we can dream—
The story never ends.”

The room quiets.

A blanket is pulled. The dim blue night-light flickers in the corner. The pages of the book gently close.

“Now let’s get you tucked into bed. We’ve such a busy day tomorrow,” he says, placing the plushies around her.

She gasps again—hopeful.
“The fair?!”

“Of course we are!” he confirms, full of mischief.

A sleepy grin spreads across her cheeks.

“For what would the Raven Prince be… without his Princess of the Forest!”

“Daddy, you’re so silly!” she whispers, the way kids do when they don’t want the moment to end.
“Can we get candy?”

He fumbles under the pillow for her favorite toy. “Oh of course… only now, where is your toy—ah! All tucked—th–”

...
A long pause.
Only soft breathing.
Only love in the quiet.

“I love you…” he says, barely a whisper.

“I love you too…” she replies, half asleep.

...
...
“Good night.”

White.

Still.

But somewhere far, far in the dreamscape—
A fairground waits.
And the Raven Prince stands tall, holding the hand of a laughing, dancing, wild-haired Princess of the Forest.

There is music in the air.
And candy.
And never once… will she wait alone again.

🌙🕯️✨
The End
(…Or has it just begun?)