Giselle Balsara remembers parts of her childhood, and that she may have been abducted. She has flashbacks to being an adult, living in a place with marble walls and grand ornaments. But these are fleeting, dreamlike memories and she doesn’t know if they are real. She has woken with a small baby in her arms, in a strange shack. Underneath a trap door she found a cellar filled with books and paintings. (Banned things) Giselle can’t remember the years leading up to this event but she knows that the things in this cellar could get her into a lot of trouble if she’s discovered. This story is dedicated to Vera Poh, from To Dad With Love, for inspiring me to write another Giselle Balsara story. Thank you, Vera. CLICK HERE for next chronological story.
Giselle’s back story, set in Nigeria (4025)
Cheryl, I am so,so touched you have done this for me. I don’t know what to say…really…
I only know that I love your stories and your writing and your illustrations. Like here, I so love the way Giselle finds herself and Eldenath in a world surrounded by language and music and art. The future for the mother and daughter seems to become bleak but the present is nothing but tenderness and love and beauty accentuated by a haunting sense of intrigue and mystique. Thank you so much, Cheryl. You don’t know how much this means to me.
Hi Vera, thank you so much for making this story a reality, and suggesting it to me (I know it was a while ago now) I’m very glad I was able to write this segment of Eldenath and Giselle’s story. There’s so much more to write about these characters and I’m very glad that you asked me! Thank you!
Hi Cheryl! I love the GMG’s moral ambiguity. It’s funny that his character pervades the story even though he is not physically “there”. Can’t decide whether this story is a dream or a nightmare. Love the drawing.
Hi Richard, yes The Guild Master’s General has another story coming up in the future (4th September) which I’m really looking forward to releasing. It’ll give a few more things away about his character. Even in his absence, like you say, he’s always lurking in somebody’s background! Thank you, glad you enjoyed this.
I love your talent! It’s so vast.
Hi Jameka, thank you so much! That makes me very happy. :D
What a great hook! I really admire people who can write about settings in the future, especially the names they will choose for their characters. Well done.
Thanks, Renee, I’m glad you liked this story.
Cheryl, your blog is truly a destination for the imagination!
Thank you so much Elena. I’m constantly in awe of your amazing paintings and am glad you stop by to read my stories.
you are an amazing artist! very inspiring :)
Thank you! :D
Continues to be outstanding. AJM
I continue to be thankful for your support and encouragement, Ann. Thank you. Cheryl.
It is all my pleasure to follow someone with so much talent. Have a great day. Ann
Wow!!! That’s so beautiful!!
Thank you! :D
What an amazing blend of writing and drawing talents—congrats!
Hi Paula, thank you.
This is indeed a great work, you are really talented. As one originally from Nigeria, I especially appreciate your paintings!
Hi Vera, thank you so much, I’m glad you’re enjoying reading about the Balsara family. I enjoyed illustrating this story!