Anchen

By Surina Nel

Anchen is a book aimed at younger readers. It tells the story of a caterpillar who has a difficult time adapting to life, after her parents gets divorced. Follow her on her journey of healing and self-discovery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Surina Nel
• Release date: Sep 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781386315964

Book preview

Chapter 1

Anxiously waiting for the big, yellow egg to hatch, Mona paced the room. At the dressing table, she looked in the mirror. Her pixie-like face was pale, her big, dark eyes, exaggerated. She swept a hair from her forehead and froze when the big egg shudders.

She straightened up, turning around slowly. The egg still. I must have imagined it, she said, as she started pacing again.

RAINIER! she called, when the egg shuddered and shook again, come quick, I think it’s time. Not taking her eyes off the egg, she stepped back, until she reached the edge of the bed and sat down.  Again, the egg shuddered.

Rainier, a stocky butterfly wearing a brown tweed jacket and black pants, burst into the room. He looked at Mona sitting on the edge of the bed and rushed over.

Do you think it is time? he asked.  Mona nodded, unable to look away from the shuddering egg.

I think so, Mona said, looking into Rainier’s hazel-brown eyes. He smiled at Mona and wrapped his arms around her. Together they watched the egg, which was showing a little crack.

Soon a beautiful, little caterpillar emerged from the egg, with big blue eyes and a head full of blonde curls. Anchen made a cute gurgling sound and wriggled some more, before she tumbled to the ground, rolling head over heels.

Mona broke free from Rainier and made her way to Anchen, who was trying her best to make her little legs work. Mona picked Anchen up and touched Anchen’s cheek softly with her finger and smiled. Hello, Little One, she said, we are so happy you finally arrived. We were waiting for you.  Anchen looked at Mona with big eyes; she gurgled then smiled. Mona pulled Anchen into a loving hug, while Rainier folded his arms around the both of them.

Chapter 2

Anchen and Mona made their way to school, walking hand in hand, her excitement about her first school day was tangible. Mona walked patiently next to the little caterpillar, who had not stopped speaking, since they left home.

Anchen and Mona made their way to school, walking hand in hand, her excitement about her first school day was tangible. Mona walked patiently next to the little caterpillar, who had not stopped speaking, since they left home.

Mom, Anchen asked, why do humans walk on two feet?

It is because they only have two feet, Mona answered patiently. Anchen nodded satisfied and walked in silence next to Mona, apparently deep in thought. Mom, why do they not have wings? she continued.

Mona smiled. They are too big to fly. They will break everything if they have to fly around. They are too clumsy. Anchen nods.

Mom, will there be lots of kids at school? Anchen continued, a little nervous, as they are approaching the school. Will there be other kids?

There will be lots of other kids, Mona said, giving the little hand in hers a tight squeeze. She smiled down at Anchen.

Mom, do you think they will like me? Anchen asked. Mona came to a halt and kneeled, next to Anchen. She framed Anchen’s face with her hands and looked into Anchen eyes before she spoke. What is not to like? You have a smile, bright like the morning sun. Your eyes are like the sea, big and blue and amazing. Mona said. Your hair is like gold, Mona said, as she stroked across the blonde curls with her tiny hand, and you are just like a ray of sunshine, brightening the day with your kind and caring heart.

The wind blew through her blonde curls; a leaf flew past them. Mona let her go and got to her feet, they continued their way to school.  Mom, what will I be when I grow up? Anchen asked, seemingly happy that she will be alright.

Mona smiled at the sudden change of topic and answered: Sweetheart, you can be whatever you want to be, that is up to you to decide.

Anchen nodded her head and smiled. The two missing teeth in her mouth visible. She looked at Mona as she excitedly continued, a definite spring in her step.  Then I want to be a dragonfly, she said with confidence.

Anchen walked next to Mona until they are met by the noise of laughter and kids shrieking with delight. We are here. Just look at all the kids! Anchen remarked, Can I go play, please, please, please? Anchen asked keen to join the shrieking kids, all her insecurities a distant memory.

Mona pulled Anchen into a tight hug. In a minute, let me just, She said as she tried to place a kiss on Anchen's blonde hair, but the loving action was met with the stubbornness of a six-year-old. Anchen looked around in disgust to see who saw her mom trying to kiss her.

Mom, not in front of the other children. Anchen said in a whisper, they will see. She looked around, thankfully, it seems that no one has noticed.

Mona gave Anchen a quick hug. Have a good day, Sweetheart. She said, and with that Anchen ran off to school, to join the group of