I need a title for this, and a better ending. Once upon a time, there was a little village, far, far away. It was a nice place, but it was surrounded by a dark and scary forest that many people were afraid of. There were a few paths that lead out of the forest, but if you strayed from the road, you were certain to get lost. Children were rarely allowed to go near, which did not bother them in the least. They preferred to romp and play in the meadows nearby. There was, however, a little girl that was often seen near the paths leading into the trees. No one knew who her name, or where she lived, so they called her Little Red Riding Hood, after the crimson cloak she was always seen in. It was an odd garment that was too big for such a small little girl, and completely covered her face. These were good and simple people though, and decided that it was not worth fretting over. It was none of their business after all. Little Red Riding Hood was terribly thankful for that. One day, Little Red Riding Hood went into the woods. She wore her cloak, as well as gloves of the same ruby shade, and carried a small wicker basket. The air around her was very cold, though it was only Autumn. The people of the town were busy in the fields, harvesting their crops. Not everyone would be receiving food though. A wolf walked among the trees, worrying about whether or not he would be able to fill his belly. He was very hungry, and was thrilled once he saw the little girl on the path. “Oh joy!” he said to himself. “Perhaps I can trick her into becoming my supper!” The wolf laughed for a moment before walking up beside the child. “Hello Little Red Riding Hood, what are you doing all alone out here?” He asked her. “It is very dark and dangerous in these woods.” Beside him, Little Red Riding Hood continued to walk. Shadows covered her face. “I am going to visit Grandma. She is very tired, and very sick.She lives on the other side of the forest” She said, her voice soft and gentle. The wolf stifled a grin. ‘Ah ha! I can catch two birds with one stone!’ he thought to himself, knowing exactly how he would earn his supper. He looked over and smiled down at the little girl with his big sharp teeth. “How very kind of you Little Red Riding Hood! She will be very, very happy to see you! But look; do you see those pretty flowers? She would be very delighted to get some.” Little Red Riding Hood turned her head slightly and saw a small patch of aster. She paused. “She will need some flowers. I shall pick them.” She decided, leaving the path to fill her baskets with the blossoms. The wolf nodded. “Very good. She will be most pleased!” He said. “I’m afraid I must leave you though. Good Luck Little Red Riding Hood!” And with that, he took off down the path to Grandma’s house. Once he got there, he kicked the door open and jumped into the old woman’s room, swiftly gobbling her up. When he was done, he dressed himself in her clothes and waited for Little Red Riding Hood. A little later, he heard a knock on the door, and using his sweetest voice, he called out. “Who is it?” “It is I.” Little Red Riding Hood’s voice called back. The wolf pulled a nightcap down low over his face, and pulled the sheets up high so only his eyes could be seen. “Come in!” A moment later, the little girl walked into the room, her face still masked by shadow. She stood in the doorway, her gloved hands grasping the little basket of flowers. “Come closer my child. I cannot see you standing so far away.” The wolf asked. She nodded and stood closer, bringing the chill from outside with her. He shivered, but was still intent on catching the child. “You are very sick Grandma.” She said, her voice still soft. “I know,” Said the wolf. “It makes me glad that you have visited me.” “That is very good.” Something seemed to be off about the little one that stood before the wolf. Perhaps it was because she spoke in a single tone of voice, or because she did not move around as much as other children did. The hooded figure just stood very still, as if awaiting the imposter’s words. The wolf decided that now would be a good time to collect his prize. “Come close, my dear. Kiss your grandmother.” He said, trying not to sound as hungry as he was. From under the cloak, the girl seemed to smile slightly. “Gladly.” She whispered. Little Red Riding Hood stepped up to his side.She set down her wicker basket and began to take off her gloves. The wolf licked his lips. This would be a pleasant meal indeed. He was so lost in dreams of eating that he did not notice that there was something terribly, terribly wrong with the girl’s hands until one was clasped around his own. A chill was sent down his spine. They were not warm! They were not of flesh and blood, but bone! He turned and watched as Little Red Riding Hood reached up and pulled away the cloak, revealing a skull! He tried to struggle, but could not move as the creature leaned down, its breath cold and heavy with the reek of doom, and brushed its mouth across the forehead of the wolf. He froze. Everything became very dark and very cold. Slowly, life was drained from his person, and his head rolled back on his neck, his eyes wide with fear. The wolf was dead. Beside his body, the Angel of Death chuckled to herself and reached for her basket. How very odd that this animal wished to take the old woman’s place. She had never seen it before, and had spent eternity roaming these forests and towns, touching all whose time had come. Someone would find him soon. A woodsman, perhaps. It did not matter, for her job was done. With a careful, bony hand, she replaced her gloves and cloak. With that, Little Red Riding Hood walked back into the forest and onto another part of the world, as she always did when things went astray. No matter though; she would always return. That night, a woodsman did indeed find the wolf. He stood frozen in the doorway and he felt his blood run cold. He had come to visit the elderly woman, but could not make out what was before him; a wolf in his friend’s clothing, the woman nowhere to be found! The woodsman swallowed nervously and searched all night for who did this, as well as for Grandma, but could find neither. He buried the wolf, but no sooner did he do this did the earth come alive with purple flowers; the same aster that the wolf had begged Little Red Riding Hood to pick.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 20:47:49 +0000
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