The market had become something of a safe haven for Cinderella over the years. Ever since her late father's passing, she'd been left in the care of her cruel stepmother and forced to endure her ugly stepsisters. To them she was more akin to a servant than an actual member of the family, and as such all responsibilities pertaining to the home rested squarely upon her shoulders. It was heavy burden to be sure, but her kind heart persisted despite the abuse.
Today was different however, as she was leaving the market, she spotted an elderly woman in rags seated in an alley. The old woman's hair was as white as snow and her wrinkled face was covered in dirt, a clear sign she hadn't bathed in who knows how long. Feeling pity in her heart she approached the downtrodden elder in the alley and knelt by her side.
The unnamed woman turned to face her and just looking into her eyes revealed something else to Cinderella... the woman was blind. Her chest felt tight. "Hello there. Are you alright, miss?"
"I'm fine, deary." The woman spoke. Her voice was soft but at the same time scratchy. "I'm more surprised you asked at all. Not too many people want to converse with an old maid like me."
"Well, that's their loss then." Cinderella spoke as tried her best to smile, even though there was no way for the older woman to tell if she was. "As people we need to look out for each other."
The elderly woman actually smiled hearing that. "I wish more people thought that way. Myself included in my younger years. Unfortunately, that's not the world we live in. This world is cold and won't hesitate to crush you if you let it."
The younger girl frowned hearing that, and while there was truth in the old woman's words, she still wanted to see the best in the world. "Maybe, but isn't it our duty to leave the world better than how we found it? That's what my father used to say, anyway."
"He sounds like a good man." The elder acknowledged.
"He was." Cinderella whispered.
"I'm sorry. I take it he's not around anymore." The woman asked.
"No, he isn't." She answered. There was silence for a moment before Cinderella reached into the basket she'd brought along with her for shopping. She pulled out an apple and gently placed it into the older woman's hands. "Here, I hate to see you starve out here."
The elderly woman seemed surprised; not only by the kind gesture but by how soft the young woman's hands were compared to her rough ones. "You don't have to do this, deary."
"I don't, but I want to." She smiled.
This caused the surprised woman to smile back in kind. It was rare moments like these that kept reminding her that there was still good in the world and not all young people were a bunch of degenerates. "Thank you dear. Oh my... I never asked for your name. How rude of me."
Cinderella couldn't stop herself from giggling. "It's alright. My name is Cinderella."
"Cinderella." The woman repeated, tasting the name on her tongue. "That's a beautiful name for what's no doubt a beautiful young lady."
Said young lady blushed. "I wouldn't say that."
"Nonsense. I can just tell you are, both inside and out." The elder spoke. "My name is Elanor if you're interested."
"That's also a beautiful name." Cinderella said honestly.
"Thank you. My own father gave me this name." The now identified woman spoke before placing the apple down and reaching into her rags. Cinderella was confused for a moment before her eyes bulged. In Elanor's fist was undoubtedly the most pretty looking ring she'd ever seen. "Take this from, won't you."
"But this..." It was beautiful she couldn't possibly, "I couldn't-"
"You can and you must dear. I'm an old lady who's already got one foot in the grave, I don't have any use for this anymore, besides I get the feeling you need this more than I do." Elanor spoke bluntly. "This ring helped me when I was in my darkest hour, and I believe it can do the same for you too. I'm just paying a kindness forward is all."
Reluctantly, Cinderella took the ring and marvelled at the golden band and pink, heart-shaped gemstone. There was also an engraving, but it was too small to read. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it, dear. You should run along now. I've already taken up too much of your time." Elanor continued to smile.
"It was time well spent." Cinderella smiled as she rose to her feet. She looked the ring over one more time before placing it in her dress for safe keeping. "I hope you have a wonderful day."
"And I hope you have one as well, Cinderella." The old woman smiled before reaching down for the apple. She took one bite and savoured the sweet taste. It'd been far to long since she had fresh fruit.
Seeing her eat made the younger of the two feel warm and fuzzy inside. With her work now complete, she turned on her heel and headed back home. There was still much work to be done.
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