Clara is now on her horse, ready to go. But before she could, she gaze upon Castriel.
"How about you? Aren't you going home?" This woman and her tricks. We all know she only wants to have an alone time with Cas.
Cas looked at me. "Do you want me to stay here longer? I mean, you're all alone here and mind you, you're house is at the middle of the woods."
I grinned. "Worried huh?" 
Binatukan niya ako. "Of course, you woman!" 
I laughed hard. "I'll be fine Castriel. Besides I'm not the one who's scared at them. They're the ones who's scared at me!"
I saw both him and Clara chuckled.
"Alright then, I'll go with her." He said and untied his horse.
"Be careful, you both. Watch out for the wolves and witches. Farewell!"
"What's wrong?" I asked when Castriel stopped.
"No farewells, Mary." Huh? What does he mean?
When he saw how confused I am, he faced me while on his horse.
"From now own, I wouldn't be accepting farewells, got it? It's not like we're going to part ways."
A smile formed my lips. "Okay then. Now go, it's nearly dark." 
Just then their horses jogged and I saw how Clara waved at me.
As soon as they disappeared from my sight, I went back inside my cabin and locked the doors.
It's you and the crickets again, Mary.
I went to my room and laid down my bed.
"Aaaaaaaaaahuuuuheeeeeehuuuu!"
I chanted. I don't know why but I feel so exhausted.
I closed my eyes for a minute.
"Tsk."
Oh no. Napabalikwas ako nang maalala ang lalaking nabunggo ko kanina.
"Who could he be? I've never seen him before," tumayo ako at naglakad lakad tila nag-iisip.
"And why would he wear a mask?" I mumbled to myself. I saw how flawless his skin is, his jawline, his none, lips and eyes. 
Napakibit-balikat nalang ako. "I should sleep." I muttered looking at the wall clock, it's already 8 in the evening.
Before going to bed, I went inside the bathroom to clean myself and changed my clothes.
I stared at myself at the mirror for a while. Tracing the scar in my face, to my eyes, nose and lips. "You are not ugly, Mary," I smiled widely and saw my not so pretty teeth. There was something inside me screaming I shouldn't fool myself of what's reality, and I can see it in my eyes' reflection.
I looked away and finished cleaning up and before I go back to my room, I made some lavender tea.
I opened the bed lamp and then lightened some candles just sitting in my small rectangular table, then grabbed a fairytale book.
Slightly opening the window, the moon's aesthetic light slipped through my window and the cold wind didn't hesitate to blow.
I took my blanket, wrapped it around my body and sat down on my couch just by the window.
Now this, this is life. 
With a book, moon and tea, who wouldn't be happy?
I took a deep breath and then traced the title written on the book I grabbed.
"The Ugly Duckling," I softly uttered.
The fairytale mother used to read for me before going to bed.
Just like this known story, the ugly duckling was a friend of none. But, then as time passed by, it transformed into a beautiful swan that everyone loved.
But this is different from reality. Fairytale is different from reality.
Reality is a curse. It is a poison.
You may change how you look like, put some make up and fancy clothes.
But it's only temporary, and as soon as you take off those elements, the real you shows, your flaws and everything.
Remember that whatever you look like, people has something to say. Either bad or good it is, you can't do anything about it for they only believe what they believe you are.
Rich or poor, pretty or not, you will be judged.
But you're heart holds the true beauty, there's nothing to be ashamed of who you are.
I closed the book as well as my eyes and smiled. Nothing could ever help yourself but you.
I laid down on the couch and hugged the book I was holding. Why does ugly duckling has to transform? Why couldn't they just accept it as it is? 
How about me? Do I have to change the way I look too? Do I have to change the way I dress? The way I am?
RUMBLING noise coming from the horses can be heard outside my house.
"Who will be coming here at this state and time?" I said with that croaky morning voice and pushed myself up the couch. Geez, I fell asleep here?
I took my glasses and fixed my hair after I heard three following knocks.
I stood up and went to the door to open it.
"Yes? How can I help you-----"
"We came here to deliver a message from the Majesties," I was shocked to see the generals and knights on their horses, for that I immediately bowed.
"A m-message? F-From the M-Majesties?" Why would the Majesties send me a message? I am no one.
"Yes, it was said that every woman in this land will be participating for an event for the chosen personal assistant of the Prince," I looked at the general, confused.
"We will be giving you a letter as sign that you were asked to participate," he formally said and handed me the letter.
"As you may please Ms. we are looking forward to your presence. Good morning!" After that I bowed at them and all I can hear are the sound of their horses running away.
"A letter huh?" I whispered to myself before closing the door. Oh right!
I opened the windows and sat down to my wooden chair placed in my small wooden table.
I traced the embroidered words onto the letter.
"A letter for Mary."