In a peaceable forest outside Helsinki, Finland, lived a young elf girl named Marrieta. With her rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes, Marrieta spent her days exploring nature’s beauty around her family’s cozy woodland cottage. One brisk autumn morning, she awoke to find the last of the golden leaves had fallen from the big oak tree outside her window. With excitement bubbling over, she hurried to go downstairs, her bare feet brushing over the soft carpet of leaves as she playfully tossed them into the air, laughing at the rustling whispers they made. 

Soon, her mother, Kirssi, called her in for breakfast. The sweet scent of freshly baked apple and cinnamon muffins filled the air, wrapping their little home in a warm joy. Marrieta loved these cozy moments with her mother, each muffin bite tasting like the essence of autumn itself. As they enjoyed their treat, they heard a familiar knocking at the door—knock, knock, knock. It was Marrieta’s father, Timo, arriving home from his long night shift. Tired and worn, he greeted them with a quick nod before heading upstairs to rest, too exhausted to share in the morning cheer. 

Though Marrieta adored her father, she felt a quiet sadness seeing him so drained, day after day. She wished they could spend more time together, talking and laughing, but Timo’s work seemed to steal him away even when he was home. After breakfast, Marrieta often wandered into the forest or her garden, finding solace among the trees and flowers. 

Secretly, she longed to tell her parents about the little things that made her heart sing—her imaginary adventures, her love for stories, and her dreams of making friends. But Marrieta was a shy elf, and the thought of sharing these tender thoughts with others felt as daunting as climbing the tallest tree in the forest. So, she kept her secrets for her one true confidante, her beloved doll, Jeny, who always was there for her. 

Kirssi, perceptive and caring, noticed how Marrieta often spent time alone. Though she was a bright and gentle child, Marrieta struggled to connect with the other young elves at school. She would wander home, her head full of books and songs, but rarely spoke of any friends. Determined to help, Kirssi invited Marrieta to go shopping with her one afternoon, hoping the outing might lighten her daughter’s spirits. 

“Of course, Mom!” Marrieta replied, her eyes lighting up with excitement. Kirssi’s heart warmed at her daughter’s joy over such a simple plan. 

At the marketplace, elves and animals bustled around, selling clothes, perfumes, and handmade treasures. Kirssi gently asked, “Marrieta, how are things at school? Do you have friends to play with?” Marrieta’s smile faded, and her gaze dropped as she quietly shook her head. Understanding her daughter’s unspoken fears, Kirssi knelt down and wrapped her arms around her, whispering softly, “You are a very special girl, Marrieta. Remember, there’s magic in kindness—just as you share kindness with nature, you can share it with friends, too.” 

The next day, Kirssi convinced Timo to take Marrieta to school himself. Though Timo was still weary, Kirssi’s words reminded him of the importance of showing his daughter she mattered. Before Marrieta left, he gave her a warm hug and a gentle reminder: “Everything will be okay, sweetheart. Be brave and be yourself.” 

That day after school, Marrieta skipped into the kitchen, her face bright with happiness. She shared stories of her teachers, her lessons, and—most wondrously—two new friends, Annette and Susi, who invited her to play during recess. Kirssi listened with pride, sensing that Marrieta had taken a brave step in opening her heart to others. 

Later that evening, when Timo returned home, Marrieta greeted him with a tight hug, offering him a cookie baked by her mother. “Everything will be okay, Dad,” she whispered, repeating his words back to him. “Be strong.” 

Timo, touched by her kindness, released a smile that was full of love. In that little moment, father and daughter shared a quiet understanding, each finding strength in the other’s presence. 

And so, in a corner of the forest, the bond within their little family grew stronger every day, woven by the love, patience, and gentle bravery of a little elf named Marrieta. 

The end. 

by Georgina Jim