Prince George

The Prince in Disguise —

The city festival was busier than ever. There was music in the streets, food stalls, theater performances, and artists displaying their paintings.

Thai walked through the crowd, observing everything with enchantment. She had traveled a long way to try to fulfill her great dream of becoming an actress or painter.

While she was admiring a theater performance, someone bumped into her.

"Oh! Sorry!" said the boy.

Thai turned around and smiled.

Okay. I was distracted too.

My name is George.

— Thai.

George wore simple clothes and tried not to draw attention. He had left the palace secretly, wanting to enjoy the festival as an ordinary person, far from the obligations of a prince.

The two started walking together.

"Are you from around here?" George asked.

Thai shook his head.

No. I come from Brazil.

George seemed surprised.

Brazil? You traveled all that way by yourself?

"It was a long trip," she replied, laughing. "But I wanted to see other places and try to fulfill my dream."

— And what is your dream?

Thai looked at the artists scattered throughout the festival.

I want to be an actress... or maybe a painter. I still don't know which one. I just know I want to make a living from art.

George smiled.

I think you could do it.

— You don't even know me.

Perhaps I'm starting to understand.

Thai laughed, feeling a little embarrassed.

They continued walking through the festival. They stopped to watch a performance, tried different foods, and talked about their dreams.

At one point, Thai asked:

And you? What do you do?

George hesitated.

He couldn't tell the truth.

— I... work with my family.

It seems mysterious.

• A little.

They both laughed.

Later, Thai decided to participate in a small painting competition. George stood beside her while she painted the illuminated square.