Fox Mask Transformation
Mordian lifted her lantern and food box as she stepped onto the final step of the mountain path. Tonight, she was determined to find the legendary fox who loved iced sugar cakes and ask him for a mask that could change her appearance.
Mordian sat on a nearby stone pillar and gently opened the lid of the food box. Before long, the grass in front of her parted neatly to the sides, and a small fox jumped out from the undergrowth. “Can I… have a piece of iced sugar cake?” it asked.
Hurriedly, Mordian covered the birthmark on her face with her hand and pushed the food box toward the fox. “Of course!”
“Thank you!” The little fox joyfully opened the food box. Mordian held her breath anxiously until she heard the fox collapse with a thud. Only then did she nervously stand up. The enticing iced sugar cakes had been laced with the most effective sedative.
A translucent mask covered the fox’s face, and Mordian, trembling, reached out and gently removed the mask from him.
“Little girl, why is your heart so wicked?” The fox suddenly sprang up, scolding Mordian harshly.
“I’m sorry.” Mordian was startled and tears welled up in her eyes as she revealed the birthmark on her face to the fox. “I didn’t mean to hurt you; I just really wanted a fox mask. I don’t want to live with this mark on my face forever! I’m sorry…”
The fox’s tone softened. “It’s just a mask, after all. I’ll give you one!” A glimmer of hope flashed in Mordian’s eyes.
“But you must first help me paint a picture. Will you do that?”
Mordian nodded vigorously.
The fox took out a white mask and then handed her some ink and brushes. “This mask has no life yet; you need to paint it with its own unique beauty and spirit.”
“What if I don’t paint it well?” Mordian timidly took a step back. The fox tiptoed and patted her shoulder. “How will you know if you don’t try?”
Washing the brush, mixing the colors, outlining, shading… Mordian was no longer the dejected, shy girl who didn’t dare to raise her head. As she focused on her painting, she radiated a special kind of light.
After a long while, Mordian rubbed her sore eyes, put down the brush, and asked softly, “How is it?”
The fox widened his eyes and nodded repeatedly. “This mask is yours. Let me help you put it on.” A cool sensation spread across Mordian’s cheeks.
Hesitantly, Mordian reached out to touch the birthmark on her face. The cool feeling at her fingertips assured her this wasn’t a dream.
“Remember, don’t ask others if you’ve changed your appearance, or the mask will lose its magic,” the fox warned.
“Also, the reflection you see in the mirror will still be your original self.” The fox turned around and added somewhat meaningfully, “No matter how others see us, we must always recognize our true selves, right?” Mordian nodded.
“Dawn is breaking, you’d better head back.” With that, the fox disappeared into the woods.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
