What if the smallest stories are the ones that stay with us the longest?

This was a side project… a sweet story created for a friend’s daughter, a gentle reminder imagination, friendship, and gentleness still matter.

~SHC

In Paris lived Nellie in a ruffled blue dress, with Sophie the giddy giraffe, and best friend.

Each morning began with a soft, happy glow. Nellie smiled at Sophie and whispered “bonjour,” which meant “hello.” Their snacks for the day were a funny feast: Nellie’s smelly cheese, which smelled the least; a shiny red apple Mom sliced carefully in two; and Sophie munched stale crackers through and through.

They skipped to the Seine, where the river ran wide, where big, long boats hummed and bumped with a swish-swash tide. The morning felt fresh, like the first days of spring; pigeons cooed softly with a fluttering wing.

“Bonjour!” Nellie waved to each passing flat-bottomed boat, with Sophie squeaking brightly and her cracker in tow.

They saw Notre Dame, still proud, strong, and tall. The wind chimed the bells with a faraway call. The stones breathed out rain from some long-ago year.  Grandma loves this place – holds it tender and dear. Nellie touched the castle-like wall in a moment so true, while Sophie squeaked softly, as best friends often do.

In the Tuileries, flowers smelled of cinnamon in the air, while stoic statues stood silent in the garden, their marble stares spooky. A fountain splashed gently, a tinkling tune, and lovely leaves rustled whispers like secrets at noon. Nellie twirled lightly; her blue ruffles flew, and guess what, Sophie squeaked, a rhythm as if dancing too.

On a green bench in the breeze came a waft of fresh bread from a boulangerie nearby. Nellie ate her cheese with a wrinkly-nose grin, then apples that crunched with a crisp bite within. Sophie nibbled her cracker, so dry it might crack, but she loved it completely with each tiny peep.

They followed the sound of a carousel song, a soft ring-ding-diddle that spun them along. Horses painted gold pranced in slow, steady flight, their bells chiming gently in shimmers of light … around and around in a happy display. Nellie held Sophie and laughed all the way.

As daylight turned pale pink and the sky lost its blue, the city grew quiet with a soft evening hue.

“Come on,” said Nellie, “your favorite part’s near.” Sophie squeaked loudly for all Paris to hear.

The Eiffel Tower, with its glitzy glimmers, lit up the night sky, with hundreds and hundreds of twinkling lights making a sound like a small, sparkling sigh. Gold shimmered everywhere, bright as can be. “I love Paris,” Nellie whispered with glee. Sophie squeaked wildly, her happiest tone… so Nellie whispered softly, “I will love my Sophie,” even when I am full-grown.