Knock on Wood
So, I'm so glad the sad days are over. Knock on wood.
— Daddy, why did you do that? — Do what, little one? — You touched the table while saying: knock on wood.
Ah! When you talk about troubles, it's said to knock on wood.
— No, no, dear. That's only part of the truth. Actually, son, when something good happens in your life, you knock on wood so that you keep negativity and others' envy away.
— Oh, well, but there must be a story behind this superstition, right? How did it come about? — Hmm, I have no idea. — Oh, Grandma, can you help me, please?
Roy, there are many myths, many superstitions. Some say that fairies live in trees and that whenever something good happens in your life, you must thank them by knocking twice on the tree trunk. Others believe that touching wood repels evil spirits that dwell in them and prevents them from hearing your future plans.
But these are all stories, because only very few know the true story behind it.
— The true story? We want to hear it! — Alright, alright.
The Story of Foc and Lemn Fairies
Once upon a time, when the fairies of mankind lived among us, there were two little fairies who didn't yet understand the world and its rules. These were the fairy of fire (Foc) and the fairy of wood (Lemn). Two little wonders, exploring the earth's surroundings, always learning and continuously evolving.
— Look at the little one!
Now it happened one day that Foc, while crossing a huge savanna, reached a mango bush.
— Wow! What are these?
She was fascinated by the yellow-orange color of the mangoes that resembled her fire.
— Suddenly I'm very hungry. I must eat those fire fruits.
But as soon as she touched the tree trunk, that part of the bark burned. Disappointed, little Foc began to walk away, when...
— Here! Huh? Here!
— Hello! My name is Lemn. And you are? — Foc! — Nice to meet you, Foc! — Wow! Oh! Oh, I'm sorry! So sorry! — It's okay. I'll fix it back. Hey! Do you want to play? — Play? — Come on! I'll teach you!
Foc and Lemn became very good friends, finding comfort in each other's company. Little mischievous Lemn always played pranks on poor Foc, though innocent ones.
— Lemn, Lemn, where are you?
And secretly, Foc liked it too.
— Boo!
Time passed and Foc and Lemn grew up. Their friendship, their bond was now even stronger. They were always by each other's side and together, they helped people.
Sometimes, animals. And sometimes they simply lazed around, next to each other.
— Foc! What are you thinking about? — Look at the stars. They're so pretty. I wish I could bring them to you. — I have you next to me. I don't need stars. — Yes, but only if I could once. Get out of there! — Hey, what are you doing?
— Lemn! Come here! — What is it? Oh! — Stars for you. — Wow! What will you call them? — Flying stars? — Hmm, no. Name them after you. Fireflies!
And in that moment, Foc realized how much she loved Lemn. The two looked at each other among the shining fireflies. They moved closer to each other and Foc found that her habit of touching wood was overcoming her. As she overcame her shyness, she touched Lemn's face.
— No, no. I'm so sorry. — It's okay. I'm ready to burn in your flames, Foc. — I will never do that to you, never.
Tears streamed from Lemn's eyes as he looked at her, for he loved Foc. But he realized that their love would never be possible.
— We can't be together, Lemn. I will, I will consume you. No, no. Goodbye, my love. Keep me in your dreams.
And with that, Foc leaped into the air and spun, transforming into a ball of fire.
— Foc! No! Wait! Foc! Foc!
The Search and the Dream
The next morning, Foc woke up in the forest, stretching. It was the first time in years that she was without Lemn and she wasn't sure how she would live her life without him. But she had to. She had no choice, for she loved him more than anything in the world.
Foc wandered, crossed the forest, reached the mountain, and traveled beyond the borders of small villages. Days passed and her longing for Lemn began to weaken her. Her flames were no longer strong and her warmth was fading.
One night, as she slept in a jungle, she dreamed of Lemn.
— How are you, my love? — Lemn? Are you here? — Come on, hold my hands! — No, I will burn you. — No, you won't! Trust me! See? I'm perfectly fine. — But, but how? — Love! That's it! — Where? Where are you going? Lemn! Lemn! Lemn!
But this was neither the first nor the last dream she had. In the next few nights, she had the same dream again and again.
— I can't live without him. I can't.
And so, Foc set out to search for him in the world. During the day, Foc searched for her beloved, and at night, the dream returned. This lasted for several good days, but Lemn was nowhere to be found. When, suddenly, a strange idea came to Foc.
— Maybe that's what the dream wants to tell me? That Lemn is nearby? That he's hiding somewhere and watching me? And that we're remembering the good times of our childhood. — I know you are Lemn. And
