Butterfly Maiden
Ruth stood in the middle of a botanical garden surrounded by eight-foot-high walls of stone. A prism of stunning colors created by ultraviolet and polarized light probed her eye’s ommatidia. Hues of unimaginable beauty ignited her sense of taste. Why—how could sight affect her palate?
Something moved or landed on her back. Turning, Ruth realized something attached itself to her. Screaming, Ruth thrust herself forward and tripped over a rock. Before falling to the ground, it lifted her into the air. It was then that she knew—the things anchored to her back were wings, her wings.
In the far left corner of the garden, a bright, glowing white aura appeared. A familiar voice called out to her.
“Ruth, don’t be afraid.”
Moriah, Ruth’s mother, reached out her hand to help Ruth land firmly on the ground. Moriah’s pinions glowed a gorgeous aqua and yellow. For the first time, Ruth noticed her mother’s eyes. She had two eyes with many smaller eyes.
“What is happening? Is this a dream?” Ruth wrapped her arms around her mother.
“No, child. It’s not a dream. Think of this as your blessing. You transformed into what you truly are.”
“But, I don’t understand. What am I? How can this be real? Do my eyes look like yours?”
“Yes, your eyes, for the moment, look like mine. Ruth, do you remember all those trips we made to butterfly gardens all over the country? Each of those trips allowed me to stay in touch with our relatives—those with our likeness.”
“Yes. I remember. What does that have to do with what we are—what I’ve become?”
“Our relatives are butterfly-like, as we are. Nonetheless, many are not related to us who are also part of our species.”
“How and why did they protect such a secret?”
“My dear, Ruth, the world is a bitter place. People lost their ability to appreciate the wonders of other cultures and non-human societies. We are proof that other humanoid species do exist. The problem is not us; it is humans who fear our differences.”
“Is dad human?”
“No. He is also lepidopteran-like. We can hide our appearance. You’ll master this before we leave the garden. You are a beloved butterfly maiden and can only marry a man of your kind.”
“I have so much to learn. Mother, you might be surprised to hear me say this, but I am thrilled to discover what and who I am. I always felt different from others. I am human-like and butterfly-like.”
“You are the best of both, Ruth.”
“Mother? Can I assume that my urge to eat a flower comes from my capacity to tell which one has the best nectar?”
Moriah laughed. “Yes. Your aptness to detect flowers with an abundance of nectar comes from your sight. You will understand how amazing it is to be a fully developed lepidopteran-like young woman.”
“Yes, I am a butterfly maiden. I can fly; I can see astounding colors. I am more than I was—more than I ever thought.”
*****
Life changed for Ruth. She found the courage to pursue a degree in botany. She cultivated skills to help her species and to understand the human side of life on the planet she called home. Ruth’s desire to understand both species helped propel her into dark moments but ultimately brought about change and enlightenment. She lived a long life. Her last words were to her children; “Always seek knowledge. With knowledge, you gain the truth, and with the truth, you find peace.”
