Emerald Fog

The large estate loomed before Galinda as her carriage pulled up to the front gates, the horses’ hooves clattering against the gravel driveway. She gazed out the window with a smile, her heart light at the thought of returning home. It was the world she knew, the world she loved, even if it sometimes felt like a gilded cage.

As the carriage came to a stop, the door swung open, and Galinda stepped out. She barely had time to take a breath before she was engulfed in a warm, suffocating hug.

“Oh, darling, you’re finally home!” Highmuster Arduenna, or Popsicle, as Galinda lovingly called him, was grinning from ear to ear. His arms enveloped her in a tight embrace that felt as comforting as it was overwhelming. His blonde hair was starting to show a bit of gray, but the enthusiasm in his voice never dulled. His eyes shone with an intensity that always made Galinda feel as if she were his whole world.

“Momsie, Popsicle, I missed you so much!” Galinda grinned, returning the hug with equal affection. She was instantly wrapped in the familiar, rich scent of her father’s cologne. She took in the warmth of the moment, the familiarity of their love. They doted on her constantly, smothering her with affection and praise. There was no place like home, even when the love sometimes felt a bit suffocating.

Larena Upland, or Momsie, rushed over to join them, beaming. Her blonde hair was neatly styled in an elegant updo, and her crisp white dress shimmered in the sunlight. Her face radiating with a mix of pride and joy. “Oh, darling, you’ve grown even more beautiful since we last saw you!” she exclaimed, brushing a stray lock of hair from Galinda’s face as she pulled her daughter closer.

Galinda chuckled and let herself enjoy the moment of being back home.

“Dinner’s all ready. Your mother has made your favourite. We’ll eat, and then you’ll tell us all about your time at Shiz!”

The three of them walked inside the house together. The house was just as Galinda remembered, tidy and impressive. The soft hum of a string quartet playing from somewhere in the distance.

Dinner was a lavish affair, as expected. The table was laid out with golden utensils, delicate china, and fine wines. Galinda’s father sat at the head of the table, his eyes never leaving Galinda as she settled into her seat.

“My dear, we’ve missed you so much,” Larena sighed, taking a sip of her wine. “I can hardly believe it’s been so long since you were last here.”

Highmuster nodded. “It feels like a lifetime,” he said. His eyes softened as they landed on Galinda. “You’re growing up so fast, sweetheart. I hope you’re keeping your focus on what truly matters.”

Galinda’s heart fluttered at the words. She knew what he meant. “I’m doing well in school, Popsicle,” she said, smiling. “And I’m keeping up with my studies, of course.”

Larena nodded approvingly. “That’s good to hear. But what about your social life, darling?” she asked, leaning forward with an almost conspiratorial air. “Surely there’s someone special at Shiz? Someone we can introduce to the family?”

Galinda’s smile faltered ever so slightly, and she could feel the subtle pressure mounting in the air. “No, not at the moment, Momsie,” she said, trying to sound casual. “I’m just focusing on my studies. Boys aren’t really on my radar.”

Larena raised an eyebrow. “Not even a little? What about that prince you wrote about? I thought he was quite taken with you.”

Galinda stiffened, the mention of Fiyero sending a brief, unwelcome jolt through her chest. She pushed the feeling down, forcing a smile. “I’m not interested in him, Momsie. We are just good friends. Honestly, I just want to focus on my work.”

Highmuster shot a look at his wife, who was obviously not convinced by Galinda’s words, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he smiled warmly and gestured toward the meal. “Well, it’s all about your future, darling. We just want you to have the best opportunities. A well-matched partner, a good name, and a strong family, these things are important and it’s expected of you that marriage will happen sooner rather than later.”

Galinda bit her lip, holding back a sigh. This was the part she dreaded. She loved her parents, of course, but they were fixated on things that didn’t seem to matter to her in the same way. They wanted her to marry into a family with status, to secure her place in society with the right connections. Sometimes, it felt like that was the only thing they cared about.

The rest of the dinner passed in a pleasant haze, with Galinda politely answering questions about her studies and the various goings-on at Shiz. But as she lay in bed that night, she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in her stomach. Her parents were wonderful, yes, but they couldn’t help but impose their dreams and expectations on her.

She had found her person. Her Elphie. How was she meant to tell her parents that she didn’t want to do the thing they had planned for her, her whole life.

The thought of bringing Elphaba up to them made her stomach twist. How could she ever explain? Elphaba wasn’t a boy. They’d never accept her, and Galinda wasn’t sure if she could bear the thought of losing them over something she knew, deep down, wasn’t a choice. It wasn’t a phase or a passing fancy; Elphaba was the one who made her feel seen, understood, loved in a way no one else had ever done. But how could she tell her parents that? How could she risk shattering the delicate image they had of her, the perfect daughter they always envisioned?

A deep, aching longing filled her chest as she curled up under the covers. She missed Elphaba terribly, missed the way she made Galinda feel safe, the way her quiet strength and unspoken wisdom calmed her restless heart. If Elphaba were here, she would know exactly what to say to calm her fears, to make her feel less alone. Her presence would bring a sense of peace, and Galinda wished more than anything that she were here, beside her, holding her hand through this whole mess.

She turned over in bed, pulling the sheets tighter around herself as if she could somehow wrap herself up in the comfort of Elphaba’s absence. If only you were here, Elphie, she thought, closing her eyes, you’d make everything feel okay again. She longed for the warmth of her touch, the quiet conversations that meant so much more than all the words in the world. If Elphaba were here, things would be simple. She would feel loved for exactly who she was, not for what others wanted her to be.

But her parents, they could never know about Elphaba, not in the way Galinda needed them to. She bit her lip, fighting back tears as a wave of frustration and sadness washed over her. How could she choose between them? How could she live with herself knowing that to keep Elphaba in her life meant losing her family? The choice felt impossible, and in that moment, Galinda didn’t know what to do.

The next morning, Larena was at it again.

Galinda was still in her room, unpacking her things, when she knocked on the door and entered with a bright smile. “Darling, I thought we could go shopping today. It’s been too long since you’ve had a new wardrobe, and I simply can’t stand the thought of you wearing those old things.”

Galinda laughed lightly, grateful for the distraction. “Of course, Momsie,” she said. “I’d love to go shopping.”

Larena beamed, clapping her hands together. “Perfect! We’ll go to the best stores in the city. You deserve to be spoiled, darling.”

They spent the day indulging in shopping and extravagant lunches, with Larena pulling Galinda from store to store, selecting new dresses, coats, and accessories with an expert eye. Galinda could tell that her mother was enjoying the day immensely, but as they were finishing up at one of the finer boutiques, Momsie’s tone shifted slightly.

“Galinda,” she said, her voice careful. “Do you still have a lot of boys at Shiz vying for your attention?” She nudged Galinda playfully, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Galinda flushed slightly, not sure how to answer. “Not really, Momsie,” she said, avoiding her gaze. “I told you, I’m focused on my studies.”

Momsie’s smile faltered for a brief moment before she recovered. “Well, I just want you to make sure you’re thinking about the future. I know you’re young, but it’s never too early to start thinking about your marriage prospects.” Her eyes softened, and she leaned in closer. “After all, it’s all about who you know, Galinda. You’re a beautiful, intelligent girl. You deserve someone who can offer you everything. I just want you to be happy.”

Galinda smiled politely, though a small knot formed in her stomach. She didn’t want to disappoint her mother, but this wasn’t what she wanted. Not really.

“What if I can’t find a boy I want to marry?” Galinda asked quietly, her voice small despite herself. It had been gnawing at her all day, the feeling that she was running out of time to meet her parents’ expectations. The words escaped her before she could stop them, and immediately she regretted speaking them aloud.

Her mother looked at her, a bemused expression crossing her face. “What a ridiculous thing to say, darling!” she replied, laughing lightly, as if Galinda had made some sort of joke. “Any man would be very lucky to marry you. You are beautiful, you’re intelligent, and you have everything any respectable man could want. What’s there to worry about?”

Galinda swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat. “But what if I can’t, Momsie?” she asked again, her voice a little shakier this time. “What if no one feels right?”

Larena’s smile didn’t falter, but her tone shifted, turning more matter-of-fact. “Well, your father has many respectable associates, you know. We’ve already had several offers from families with excellent reputations. They would gladly take your hand in marriage. Of course, we wished to give you the opportunity to find someone for yourself first. But if things don’t work out, we have options, darling. There’s no need to worry. I’m sure we will be shopping for wedding dresses in no time.”

Galinda felt a wave of nausea rise in her chest. “Options?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. The thought of being married off to someone her parents had chosen for her, someone she didn’t even know, sent a cold shiver down her spine. Her stomach turned, and she fought to keep her expression neutral.

“You’re not upset, are you, darling?” Larena asked, noticing the change in Galinda’s demeanour. “We just want what’s best for you. A respectable match, someone with the right standing in society. You’ll see, it will all fall into place.”

Galinda’s mind raced. The idea of a life where she was married to someone chosen for her, someone who wasn’t Elphaba, was unbearable. But there was nothing she could do, was there? Her parents were simply trying to do what they thought was best.

Then Larena’s voice broke through her spiralling thoughts. “Are you sure that Prince can’t be swayed, darling? I thought you were fond of him. Perhaps, if you gave him a little encouragement…”

Galinda’s heart dropped at the mention of Fiyero. She loved him as a friend and at first she imagined marrying him, but now the thought of being with anyone other than Elphaba made her feel sick. Her chest tightened with the realisation that her future might be dictated by a prince, or worse, by a man her parents approved of.”

“No, Momsie,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, “I don’t think that’s…I don’t think that’s what I want.” The words came out in a rush, and she immediately regretted them.

Her mother smiled reassuringly, though there was something calculating behind her eyes. “Well, we’ll see, won’t we? But just remember, darling, you’re not getting any younger.” She patted Galinda’s arm gently, a hint of finality in her tone. “We’ll find someone. I have no doubt about that.”

Galinda nodded numbly, but inside, the world felt like it was slipping further and further out of her control.

After the whirlwind of shopping had settled, Galinda retreated to her room. She sat at her desk and began to write a letter to Elphaba, eager to share how things were going at home, to tell her how much she missed her. 

She took a deep breath and let her thoughts spill onto the page.

My dearest Elphie,

I miss you.

I know it’s only been a few days, but it feels like forever. Being home should feel safe, but instead, it just feels…wrong. Everything is just as it was before, but I’m not. And I don’t know how to make myself fit into this world again.

They keep talking about marriage, about boys, about finding the “right match.” They make it sound so simple, like love is just another box to check off. But the thought of it makes me sick. Because I don’t want any of it. I don’t want them. I don’t want a prince, or a nobleman, or anyone they deem “suitable.” I don’t want anyone but you.

And the worst part? I can’t say it. I can’t even hint at it.

I’m scared, Elphie.

What if they find out? What if they know, truly know, what’s in my heart? What if they see it written all over my face when they mention suitors and I have to force a smile? What if they realise why I’m not interested in any of the men they parade in front of me?

What if they take me away from you?

I try to act normal. I try to be the perfect daughter they expect me to be. But inside, I feel like I’m screaming. I don’t know how much longer I can pretend.

I wish you were here. I wish I could run to you right now and feel your arms around me. You make me feel safe, Elphie. You make me feel like I can breathe. I would give anything to be with you, to have you beside me, to know that I’m not alone in this.

I dream about the next time I get to see you. The next time I can kiss you. I think about it every night before I fall asleep, imagining your hands in mine, your voice telling me it will all be okay.

I don’t know how I’m going to get through this, but I know one thing for certain…

I love you.

I love you, I love you, I love you.

Only you.

Forever.

Yours,

Galinda

She set the pen down, pressing her fingers against her lips as she reread the words. Her heart pounded. It felt dangerous to put these feelings on paper, but it also felt like the only thing keeping her sane.

Folding the letter carefully, she put it on her desk, ready to send first thing in the morning.

For now, all she could do was hold onto the hope that soon, she would be back at Shiz. Back where she belonged. Back where love didn’t feel like a secret she had to bury.

The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the Upland estate as Larena made her way up the grand staircase, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floors. She had just remembered something she wanted to tell Galinda and, eager to share it, she headed straight for her daughter’s room.

She knocked once before pushing the door open, expecting to find Galinda inside. But the room was empty. The sight of the perfectly made bed and the soft scent of perfume lingering in the air told her Galinda must have stepped out.

Her eyes swept the room, and that was when she saw it.

A neatly folded piece of paper on the desk, its edges perfectly aligned. It was out of place, Galinda was meticulous, and nothing was ever left so carelessly behind.

Curious, Larena stepped closer. The moment she unfolded it and her eyes landed on the words inside, her breath caught in her throat.

Her hands trembled as she read.

“My dearest Elphie, I miss you…I don’t want anyone but you…I love you, I love you, I love you. Only you. Forever.”

A cold, sinking feeling spread through her chest.

Galinda. Her daughter. Her perfect, golden daughter. Writing love letters…to a girl.

Larena’s fingers clenched around the letter as though she could crush the words, make them disappear. But they wouldn’t disappear. They were there, in ink, in her daughter’s own handwriting.

She inhaled sharply, willing herself to stay composed.

Galinda would be home soon. And when she was, there would be a conversation.

A reckoning.

The grand dining room, usually filled with light conversation and laughter, was unnervingly quiet that evening. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the table, the golden utensils gleaming against the fine china.

Galinda tried to ignore the way her mother sat stiffly at the table, her knuckles white as she clutched her wine glass. Even her father, who was usually oblivious to any tension, had noticed the strange atmosphere. He glanced between them, his brows furrowed.

Galinda forced a smile. “Momsie, you’re quiet tonight. Did something happen?”

Her mother inhaled sharply through her nose, then exhaled, setting the wine glass down with deliberate slowness. Her expression was unreadable, but the tightness in her jaw sent a spike of unease through Galinda’s chest.

“I don’t know,” Larena said coolly. “You tell me.”

Then she lifted the folded letter.

Galinda froze.

Her stomach dropped, her breath catching in her throat as she recognised it instantly.

No. No, no, no.

Momsie had read it.

The letter. That letter. The one she had poured her heart into. The one that wasn’t meant for anyone’s eyes but Elphaba’s.

Her mouth went dry. She felt suddenly lightheaded, as if the floor beneath her chair had vanished.

“Momsie, I-”

“How could you?” Her mother’s voice trembled with barely restrained fury. “What will everyone say?”

Galinda’s hands shook as she tried to grasp onto anything…any words that might fix this. “It’s not what you think,” she blurted, though even as the words left her mouth, she knew they were useless.

Her father frowned. “What’s this?” He took the letter from Larena’s hand, his expression darkening as he read it.

Silence.

Thick, suffocating silence.

Her mother’s face twisted, her lips pressing together in disgust. “A girl, Galinda?” she spat. “How could you do this? You know how people will talk. How this will ruin you…ruin us.”

Tears pricked at Galinda’s eyes as she shook her head frantically. “No, Momsie, please…you don’t understand.”

“Oh, I understand perfectly,” Larena snapped. “You’ve embarrassed this family. You’ve thrown away everything we’ve planned for you.”

Galinda turned desperately to her father, but he was silent. He stared at the letter, then at her, his expression unreadable.

“Momsie, please,” she tried again, her voice shaking. “She makes me happy. Isn’t that what you want for me?”

Her mother’s lip curled. “Happy?” she hissed. “What has she done to you?” Her voice was sharp, accusing, as though Elphaba had cast some wicked spell over her daughter. “She’s corrupted you. Twisted you into-”

Galinda’s breath caught, and for a moment, she could only stare. Then, anger flared through the pain, raw and burning.

“No,” she said, her voice trembling but firm. “I chased her.”

Larena recoiled as if the words had physically struck her.

“I wanted her,” Galinda continued, her voice gaining strength even as her eyes shone with tears. “I love her.”

Her mother’s face darkened with fury. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”

“I know exactly what I’m saying,” Galinda shot back, her voice breaking. “I love her. She didn’t turn me into anything…I’ve always been this way.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and irreversible.

Her mother’s lip curled in disgust.

A sob tore from Galinda’s throat. “I…I know what you expect of me, but I can’t do it, Momsie,” she admitted. “I don’t like boys and I won’t be marrying one.”

Her mother recoiled as if she’d been slapped.

Then, after an agonising moment of silence, her father finally spoke. His voice was calm, but there was a finality to it that sent ice through Galinda’s veins.

“You can stay here tonight,” he said. “But you need to leave in the morning.”

The words hit her like a physical blow.

“No.” The word came out as a whisper, barely audible over the sound of her own heart pounding in her ears.

Her father stood, already turning away.

“Popsicle…” her voice cracked, and she pushed back from the table, standing so fast her chair nearly toppled over. “Please…don’t do this…”

Her mother remained rigid, her expression cold.

“Please!” Galinda sobbed, rushing toward her father, grabbing his arm. “Don’t send me away! I’ll be good, I promise…I won’t talk about it…I won’t write her anymore, I’ll stop…just let me stay, please!”

But he wouldn’t look at her. Wouldn’t even acknowledge the way she clung to him like a child, desperate and afraid.

“This is your choice, Galinda,” he said, voice low and steady. “You made it. Now you’ll have to live with it.”

She turned to her mother, her hands clasped together in supplication. “Momsie-”

Larena lifted her chin. “You are not my daughter.”

Galinda’s breath left her in a strangled cry.

Her world shattered around her.

She sank to the floor, shaking, tears falling in silent streams down her face.

She had always known this was a possibility. Always feared this moment. But knowing hadn’t prepared her for the pain of it.

She had begged. She had pleaded.

And they had still cast her out.

And for what?

For love.

For Elphaba.

Tomorrow, she would wake up in a house that was no longer her home. Tomorrow, she would leave behind the life she had always known.

Tomorrow, she would lose everything.

But tonight…tonight she allowed herself to break.

Galinda barely remembered how she got upstairs.

One moment, she was kneeling on the cold marble floor, sobbing so hard her body shook. The next, she was in her bedroom, the door shut behind her, the silence pressing in like a heavy weight.

Her chest ached. Every breath felt shallow, ragged. Her hands were still trembling as she stumbled toward her bed, her knees buckling beneath her. She collapsed onto the soft, familiar sheets, gripping the fabric in her fists as if she could anchor herself to something—anything.

But nothing felt real.

“You are not my daughter.”

Her mother’s voice rang in her skull, sharp as a dagger.

“You need to leave in the morning.”

Her father’s calm, steady tone—so final, so unwavering—echoed through her mind, crushing her chest like a vice.

A broken sob escaped her lips.

They had meant it.

There was no coming back from this.

She turned onto her side, curling in on herself, her arms wrapping around her stomach as if she could physically hold herself together. But she was unraveling. She was nothing but shattered pieces now, and there was no one left to put them back together.

No one except—

Elphaba.

A fresh wave of grief hit her all at once. She squeezed her eyes shut, but the tears kept slipping through. I need her.

She let out a trembling breath. If she were here, she’d know what to do. She’d hold me, tell me I was more than this—tell me I wasn’t broken.

Galinda could almost feel Elphaba’s arms around her, her long fingers threading through her curls, her voice—low, steady, grounding—whispering words only meant for her.

“You are not sick.”

“You are not wrong.”

“You are mine.”

She let out a shaky laugh at the thought—wet and choked, because Elphaba wasn’t here. 

Her hands curled into fists.

She couldn’t stay here. She couldn’t let them see her like this—small and broken. She wouldn’t give them that satisfaction.

With a deep, shuddering breath, she forced herself upright. Her limbs felt heavy, her body drained, but she had to move.

She crossed the room, pulling an old suitcase from the closet, throwing it open onto the bed.

The room blurred around her as she moved on autopilot, hands shaking as she reached for dresses, shoes, anything she could grab. Silks and satins tumbled into the suitcase, but none of it mattered.

None of it felt real.

As she packed, the voices echoed louder in her head.

“How could you do this?”

“What will everyone say?”

“You’ve embarrassed this family.”

“You made your choice.”

She sucked in a sharp breath, pressing her palms into the bed, forcing herself to stay upright.

They were wrong.

They had to be wrong.

Love wasn’t something to be ashamed of. Wanting Elphaba wasn’t wrong.

Was it?

Her vision blurred as she turned toward her vanity, reaching for the letter—the one she had written but never sent. The one her mother had found.

The paper was still crumpled from where her father had gripped it too tightly.

She stared at it, her heart aching.

She had meant every word.

“I love you, I love you, I love you. Only you. Forever.”

She swallowed hard, fingers tightening around the paper.

Tomorrow, she would leave.

Tomorrow, she would have nothing.

But maybe—just maybe—she still had one thing left.

Elphaba.

And if Elphaba loved her, maybe she wasn’t lost after all.