Beautiful piece! The way Lyla blames herself for the "imperfect" cake and ties it to Granny's death feels so visceraly true to how kids process grief. I remeber doing something similar when my uncle passed, constantly rewinding to find what I couldve done diferently. What gets me is how the tradition itself becomes the mechanism for healing, not somethng external but baked into the ritual.
Beautiful. You captured the child-self, which is close to the surface and vulnerable this time of year.
Beautiful piece! The way Lyla blames herself for the "imperfect" cake and ties it to Granny's death feels so visceraly true to how kids process grief. I remeber doing something similar when my uncle passed, constantly rewinding to find what I couldve done diferently. What gets me is how the tradition itself becomes the mechanism for healing, not somethng external but baked into the ritual.
I could read stories about Ferris Island forever. Lovely characters and lovely tale. Thanks for this gift!
What a wonderful story. It made me cry, but in a good way!
A lovely bit of folklore!
Sweet as apple cake.
You have conjured another beautiful tale S.E.! Dropped me so lightly into this loving home as if I naturally belonged and knew all would be well!
This squeezed my heart with longing for my own Gram. I understand how Lyla misses hers.
This feels particularly relatable after my grandma died recently. Thank you.
Also, read this to my daughter today and I'm happy to report that it was toddler-approved. 🩵
This was SO sweet and beautiful. I happened to read it while I had a maple apple candle burning, which really enhanced the experience 😄
Oh, lovely. I often write of the dead visiting in dreams, and loved that blessing and comfort in this story.