Rita and the Magic River - Part 2

'What is it?' Rita asked, not waiting a second. 'Tell me, please do!' Miss Bina didn't move, as though she was finding it hard to decide whether to tell her or not. Finally, she got up from her chair and walked into her garden. 'Your mother loves these' she said pointing around to the plants. 'How do you-' 'Your father has been promoted since he just developed a new app'. 'Your uncle went on a space mission recently. And you.' Miss Bina turned around and looked at Rita sharply. Rita had half a mind to run away and never see Miss Bina's face again. The old woman was gentle, caring and kind, and Rita always looked up to her. But now.....she was so strange. And scary.

'You' Miss Bina repeated. 'Will discover the Great Truth. You will find the Magic River to bring peace. Yes, you will'. 'Sorry, I don't understand what you're saying' Rita said, starting to feel really uncomfortable. Miss Bina sighed and looked up at the sky. It was dusk, and the sun was setting, and the wise old woman always had time to enjoy the sunset. 'You must go. Trust me'. 'But why?' The ten year old girl enquired. 'Why should I go to the boring countryside?' 'Because' Miss Bina said. 'Because, you'll discover the truth. That's where the Magic River lies. You can do it. Go. I'll miss you, but this is for your own good'. Saying so, she walked away. 'Miss Bina!' Rita called out. 'Miss Bina!'

But Miss Bina was far away, not in sight. 'Wait' Rita told herself. 'Miss Bina is old and slow. How did she go back so fast? And why did she go down the road instead of going back to her house? She never ever leaves her house!' Puzzled, the poor child walked home, thinking of the boring country, without knowing that an exciting adventure awaited her.