I loved my childhood and my most favorite memory is when I had a Guinea pig named Charlie. I cared for Charlie and loved him dearly. I’ll never forget him.

One day a fire took everything-my house, my pictures, all my belongings precious and meaningful to junk that I needed to rid myself of. The fire began in the attic with a bad wire.

What will I do now, I thought. My parents died in a car crash, I’m without siblings, I have friends but I don’t want to bother them.

I went to a nearby mission for the night with two to a bedroom and a bathroom available for each room. They fed me a grand supper and a bed for the night. Happily I didn’t have a roommate. Then appeared a tiny sparkly fairy in my sleep.

“I’m Sparkle I’ll help you through this time in your life but you have to give up your most precious memory,” said Sparkle.

“Really? I’d love your help but give up my most precious memory……,I don’t know about that. Let me pray about it.” I said.

I prayed and thought and prayed and thought. I loved my Guinea pig, Charlie……hmm is there another precious memory in my life…something with my parents? I know when I went to the zoo for the first time. I tossed and turned in bed.

The next day I went to work as the manager at the local grocery store called ironically Everything but the Kitchen Sink. It’s small but has most items people are looking for. I love to offer fruit and vegetables in my compact cool area. The canned goods and bread are a must. I also have a freezer with ice cream. The worst part of my job is a job opening for a cashier that hasn’t been filled.

I thought again about the fairy in my dream. Was Sparkle real? Do I really want to give up my most precious memory to get a house in the country?

I worked hard that day. The busy store claimed all my energy. I returned to the mission for another evening. Two days in a row is allowed. They gave me a room then I sat in my bed with a newspaper to look for places to rent. Most places prices were above my budget.

The mission served spaghetti and meatballs…my favorite. The sauce tickled my tongue with flavor and they served it with cheese covered garlic bread. I returned to my room and as I readied myself for bed the fairy appeared. My roommate heard me talking.

“Hello, did you consider my offer?” said the fairy.

“I’m thinking about it…..I’m not ready to commit yet,” I said.

“Who are you talking to?” said my roommate. I’d been there a short time and hadn’t been introduced to her yet. “My name is Sharon.”

“Hi Sharon, my name is Sonni,” I said. “You’ll never believe me if I tell you who I’m talking to.”

“You’d be surprised. Try me!” said Sharon.

“Maybe tomorrow after we know each other a little better,” I said. The night went crazy as I tossed and turned all night.

The next morning Sharon said, “Sooo …..did you sleep well?”

“No, the fairy oops never mind,” said Sonni.

“Come on, what is there to lose?” said Sharon.

“Okay, I lost everything and I mean everything but my job in a house fire. The other night a fairy appeared in my dream to help me if I am willing to lose my most precious memory,” I said.

“That’s not too far out or crazy?!?” Sharon said laughing.

“I told you; you wouldn’t believe me!” I said.

“Hey give me a break what are you going to do?” Sharon said.

“We’ll I prayed about it. I haven’t come up with a solution yet,” I said. “My precious memories are just that precious.”

“We’ll don’t give that up then,” said Sharon. “You said you have a job and you’re homeless. You have a job that’s more than I have.”

“You need a job? I’m in need of a cashier,” I said.

“Hmmm…. I’ve never done that, but I’m willing to try,” said Sharon.

“This day is turning out great!” said Sonni. Well can you start now?”

“Yes,” said Sharon. They walked to the store. Sonni showed Sharon the ropes and she did well. Then they found a rental house to share with two bedrooms, a dining room, and full basement.