Mona

The sky was baby blue, with clouds like patches of white, sewn in a sheet. The weather was warm. Kind. Perfect day, Mona thought, to go out to the dandelion fields with her picnic basket.

As she went and sat on the grass between the dandelions, she noticed a cow, black and white, sitting at a distance, staring at her. It didn’t seem like she was one of her cows. There was no tag or bell in sight either. Where did this one come from, Mona thought, as she took the food out of the basket. She was chewing on a sandwich while reading a book. She was imagining the scenes of the book in her head, imitating the work of the words while oblivious to her surroundings.

When she opened her mouth to take another bite from her sandwich, a snotty leather-like material touched her chin from behind. She turned around to find the cow nudging her face. Do you want it? she asked. The cow grabbed it from her hand and started chewing on it.

Later, when Mona was leaving, she found that the cow was following her. Well, it wouldn’t hurt to take care of another one, she thought and took her home. She cleaned her and fed her and took her to the barn where the other cows were. She even gave the new cow her very own bell.

Months later, she still was taking care of the cow even though days after she had brought her home it was found out that the cow was incapable of giving milk. Her father told her that he would send that cow to the butcher for meat, but she refused. She believed that the cow had trusted her enough to follow her and live with her. She couldn’t break her trust.

One day, Mona’s father found out that he was running short on income. He desperately wanted money, so he asked Mona to sell the cow. Mona went to the barn crying and hugged the cow telling her that she was going to be sold away.

She buried her head in her hands and started sobbing uncontrollably. She had developed a genuine connection with the cow and considered her as her best friend. The cow was the only creature who looked like she understood her. She didn’t have any human friends because all of the people in the village considered her ugly and made fun of her.

Don’t cry Mona, a gentle voice said. She looked up. A man was standing in front of her. Robed, tall, and his beard and moustache flowing to his chest. Mona stood up quickly. Who are you? she asked.

I’m a wizard Mona, the man explained. Some demons were after me a few months ago. I turned myself into a cow and was on the lam when I found you. You, being so kind and generous, took me in and have taken care of me since then. A few days back I received a message through some sources that the demons were caught. So, I shall return now, without worries. And in return for your favour, I will give you whatever you ask for.

Please don’t go, Mona cried. Take me with you. I have nobody else here. Nobody listens to me as you do and nobody is my friend because I’m so ugly!

You are not ugly Mona, the wizard said. Anybody who thinks of you as an ugly human being doesn’t see your true self and beauty. Their eyes deceive them. I shall give you a gift and show the whole world how beautiful you are, without changing your true self in the slightest. I’m getting late, I should leave.

At least tell me your name wizard, Mona said.

It’s Da Vinci, the wizard said and disapparated.

Days later Da Vinci made Mona Lisa’s painting. He made it such that the whole world took her as the most beautiful girl in the entire world.