The warm bathwater lapped around me, a comforting embrace as I sank deeper, letting the lathered soap tickle my skin. My brown, curly hair floated like a serene halo on the surface, a stark contrast to the quiet buzz of anticipation in my mind. Just yesterday, the news had dropped: I, Stephanie, was going to live with Uncle Ramsey and my cousin in a far-off, fairytale-like land.

A soft 'knock, knock' at the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Who's there?" I called, my voice betraying none of the excitement bubbling within. Nanny Florentine's familiar, firm voice replied, "Miss Stephanie, your parents need you downstairs as soon as possible. They're here." The 'they' needed no clarification; Uncle Ramsey and my cousin had arrived.

"I'd be out in a minute," I replied, trying to sound calm, though my heart was already racing. A quick splash, a towel dry, and I was in my bedroom, two gowns laid out—Auntie Daisy's green one, and my favorite, the glamorous pink. As I deliberated, a familiar voice drifted in from the window. "What's it with humans and clothes? You look far much beautiful the way you are!" It was Roy, my feathered confidant, always there to banish boredom. I chuckled, twirling in front of him, already feeling a little lighter.