Tony Bradman - Snow White and the Magic Mirror (After Happily Ever After)

Snow White was standing in front of an empty canvas with a brush in her hand.

She had been looking forward to this so much! Painting was her passion, although somehow it seemed she could rarely find the time to do it.

Still, she was here now, and in her mind she could see the lovely picture she was going to paint.

But suddenly the door of her studio flew open and in marched her husband, Prince Charming. He was wearing a fancy riding outfit.

So this is where youve been hiding! he said. Ive been looking for you everywhere, sweetheart. I wondered if you could do me a teensy tiny favor?

Of course, my love, murmured Snow White, chewing the end of her brush as she thought about how to begin her picture. What do you need me to do?

Oh, nothing much, said Prince Charming. I need you to pick up my dry cleaning, thats all. I forgot, and Im about to go riding with some friends.

A slight frown crept over Snow Whites face. Prince Charming could be very forgetful about doing things like that, and part of her just wanted to start her painting. But another part thought it wouldnt be nice to say no, so she put down her brush and smiled.

No problem, my love, she said. You run along and have your fun.

Thats great, thanks! said the prince as he dashed off. See you later!

Snow White left the palace and headed into town. She felt a little miserable, and that made her angry with herself. What right did she have to be unhappy?

Everyone knew her story the Evil Stepmother hating her ...

the kind Huntsman letting her live ...

the Seven Dwarfs taking her in ...

the poisoned apple putting her to sleep ...

and the Prince waking her with true loves kiss, which led to their magical wedding.

These days, Snow Whites life was perfect, of course. Although it would be good to have time to paint as well.

There was a lot of dry cleaning to collect and Snow White wondered how she could carry it all. But as she was leaving she noticed a poster on the shop door.

Snow White felt very excited and wrote down all the details. She would love to enter.

But then, as she hurried back to the palace, her mind began to fill with doubt. She probably wasnt good enough. Although maybe she should enter anyway. Soon her head was spinning with confusion. What should she do?

She badly needed some advice, and she knew just who to ask the Magic Mirror! It was the one thing belonging to her stepmother that she had kept.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall. Should I bother to enter the contest at all? she asked.

Go for it, girlfriend! Dont let this pass by, sang the Magic Mirror, its cloudy surface shimmering mysteriously. Put yourself first, and give it a try.

I wont know if I come in first unless I enter and win. But thanks, youve helped me make up my mind! said Snow White. She was confused about the answer but happy for the support.

That night, Snow White found it hard to sleep. She kept thinking about what she was going to paint, and how amazing she wanted it to be.

She was in her studio bright and early the next morning, getting her paints and brushes ready. She was just about to start when her phone rang.