Fairytales Undone

The Basket

I held my mother's hand as we walked quickly through the market. It was bustling with life. Food carts stocked high with fruits, vegetables, and baked goods lined the streets. The smells wafted up my nose, my stomach grumbling with anticipation. As much larger people walked briskly past me, I hung more closely to my mother.

We continued walking for a few minutes, before I was pulled aside into an ingredients and spices shop. The man who tended the store was small, and reminded me of a bowling ball. His chin and jaw were covered in chalky grey stubble, his hair a few thin whisps combed over the top of a balding scalp. He gave us a nod, before returning to simply packaging tins of black pepper. My mother let go of my hand, and began her hunt. I sat down on the tiled flooring, my eyes scanning the shelves for anything that would be of interest. My gaze locked on a small picture book titled "Wake Up, Silly Fox!" And a slightly more pleasing one sitting next to it, titled "Come Home Benny". I pulled it off the shelf, opening the cover gently. The book was boring. Mother called me over to her, and I slid the book back, and skipped over to her side. She dropped a couple metallic looking disks on the counter, and the man scooped them into his sausage-like fingers, looking them over. He smiled and gave her a nod. "Thank you for your business."

Mother gave the cubby man a smile, and grabbed a few bags from the counter. She held them in one hand, and held my hand in the other.
We returned to the house before nightfall, she dropped the bags off on the counter before twirling around to me, wrapping both hands around my waist and hoisting me into the air.
"You did so well today! You can have a cookie in the morning before grandma's!" She smiled. A cookie sounded wonderful. Chocolate. Beautiful, warm, chocolate. I grinned and bounced in her grip excitedly. She set me down, and ushered me into a small room. "First, you have to sleep!" She chirped, then lifted me onto the cushiony mattress. I pulled back the covers, and sat on the pad, then looked up at her. She patted my head, brushing a strand of hair away from my nose. She pulled the covers over my stomach and whispered gently "I love you," before slowly backing out of the doorway and returning to her groceries. I watched the door for a moment, then looked up to the ceiling. How had I gotten here? Where is the hospital? I asked myself. I suppose when I got dizzy I was sleeping longer than normal, and I was cleared... I shrugged, tucking my chin under the soft fabric. I shut my eyes and slowly fell into a familiar sleep.

The next morning was a rush. My mom tapped on my doorway, then pulled me out of bed when I refused to get up. I was dressed with my red hood again, and helped my mother load the basket full of cookies and pastries. We exited the rickety building, and she tapped my shoulder with her palm.

"Now remember; you do not talk to strangers. Follow the road, do not take any detours. If you see the wolf again, run." She commanded. I nodded.

"Yes momma."

"And don't eat the cookies in the basket, those are grandma's." She handed me a handkerchief, wrapped around two delicious smelling cookies. "These are yours. Now be quick." She said, giving me a light hug, before turning away to resume working in the fields behind the cottage. She is working hard, so I need to as well. I scanned the path that led into the woods, and began my long hike.