Write by the Cards: Day Four
A Hesitation
If you’re new to The Rebel MFA Way, welcome! This is my daily work for my Write by the Cards: 30 Day Challenge that I’m hosting. Learn more here. Scroll down to the end to see my behind-the-scenes commentary and source material.
But the character hesitated, uncertain about {draw a card}.
Rian and Jud exchanged wide-eyed glances as the light of the lamp flickered, casting shadows over Zaza’s wrinkled face.
“She... she burned them?” Rian whispered, her voice a blend of disbelief and awe.
“Yes,” Zaza replied softly. “By embracing the darkness within her, Vasalisa unleashed a fire not just of embers but of her own pent-up emotions—the rage and bitterness that had been fed by her stepfamily’s cruelty. She had to shed all that held her back. But with that fire, she also sparked something else: freedom.”
“Freedom?” Jud said. “But wasn’t she all alone now?”
“Ah, my dear boy, freedom often comes with sacrifices. Vasalisa had escaped the chains of her former life, but in doing so, she also severed ties with her innocence. The girl who had once sought guidance now forged a new path paved in ashes.”
Rian bit her lip. “So what happened to Vasalisa? Did she ever find happiness again?”
Zaza raised an eyebrow, a shadow flitting across her face. “That is where the story takes another turn. With her home reduced to smoldering ruins, Vasalisa wandered into the forest once more—this time not seeking guidance but carving her own destiny.”
“What about Baba Yaga?” Rian asked, curiosity igniting in her eyes. “Did they ever meet again?”
Zaza chuckled. “Some say she did, but others have said that Vasalisa never laid eyes upon the witch again. But I like to think that Baba Yaga never truly leaves those she guides. She may not appear in a physical form, but her guidance transcends mere physicality.”
Rian looked confused. “Like a ghost?”
Zaza nodded. “Perhaps. Or maybe she shows up in other ways. We don’t know unless Baba Yaga herself decides to answer our call.”
This perked Rian up. “You can call her? On a phone?”
“No, sweet girl, it doesn’t work like that. There are many ways to call upon her, but perhaps you should… write her a letter?”
Jud scrunched up his nose. “That sounds like homework.”
Zaza laughed. “I suppose it does. But just like with homework, you must be committed to your intention if you want Baba Yaga to show up. You must be serious.”
Rian and Jud exchanged looks. Rian wasn’t sure what Jud was thinking, but she guessed he didn’t much care to call on Baba Yaga.
But Rian couldn’t stop thinking about how Baba Yaga could show up for her. Would she come in the form of an ugly old witch with a wart on her nose and gruff in her voice? Would she shapeshift into the prettiest of princesses and deceive her? Or maybe Baba Yaga wouldn’t show up at all, she’d just be the whisper at the back of Rian’s head.
Later, in the comfort and sanctuary of her room, Rian tore out a piece of paper from her spiral notebook and placed it in front of her.
She didn’t write anything down, just stared at the paper and imagined how she wanted to summon the old Russian witch. She knew in order to get Baba Yaga’s attention, she’d have to be very specific and offer something up to the witch in return for her help.
Rian spent the better part of the evening wondering what she was willing to sacrifice for her and her siblings freedom.
She realized that perhaps Vasalisa had it right all along — maybe there wasn’t anything she wasn’t willing to burn down to get what she wanted.
Behind-the-Scenes Commentary
Honestly, I don’t feel like much changed in this chapter other than continuing Zaza’s story… it felt pertinent for Rian to get a feel for the entire nature of Baba Yaga because I think it’s going to come into play more than I initially realized.
But not much to talk about with this chapter elsewhere. Some days are like this — low key and plodding along.