Once, in a humble village, a poor woodcutter and his wife had a little girl. They loved her dearly but could barely feed her. One day, as the mother wept in the forest, the Virgin Mary appeared, radiant and kind. “Give me your child,” she said, “and I will care for her in heaven.”

The parents, trusting in Mary’s promise, agreed. The girl was taken to heaven, where she grew up among angels, clothed in shining robes and never wanting for anything. When she turned fourteen, Mary gave her the keys to thirteen doors. “You may open twelve, but the thirteenth is forbidden.”

The girl explored the first twelve rooms, each filled with wonders—flowers, jewels, and singing birds. But curiosity gnawed at her. At last, she unlocked the thirteenth door. Inside, she glimpsed the Holy Trinity, and her finger was stained with gold.

Ashamed, she tried to hide her golden finger. When Mary returned and asked if she had opened the forbidden door, the girl denied it. Mary asked three times, but the girl lied each time. Sorrowful, Mary sent her back to earth, mute and alone, to live in a wild forest.

Years passed. The girl survived on roots and berries, her golden finger a constant reminder of her disobedience. One day, a young king found her, took her to his castle, and married her. Still, she could not speak.

When their first child was born, Mary appeared and asked, “Will you confess your sin?” The girl shook her head. Mary took the child away. The same happened with her second and third children. The people whispered that the queen was a witch.

At last, the queen’s heart broke. She fell to her knees and wept, “I have sinned! I opened the forbidden door and lied.”

Mary forgave her, restored her children, and gave back her voice. The queen rejoiced, and the family lived in happiness and grace, her golden finger a gentle reminder to always tell the truth.