Once Upon a Paradox

Chapter 1: Into the Woods

The chirps of singing goldfinch birds filled the morning as the sun peeked through the window of a rustic abode.

The warm bright rays of sunlight shone on a sleeping girl.

Her amber eyes peaked open, glistening in the sun's light.

She rubbed her eyes, slowly as she let out a soft sigh.

She soon got out of bed and began changing out of her sleepwear, she glanced over at a birch basket resting comfortably on a wooden table, next to a pile of colourful books.

Upon taking a few steps forward, she notices a letter beside the basket.

In tacky ink it wrote:

My dearest Little Red,

I'm heading to the city market to pick up some grains. I've left a basket with pudding, herbs, and the likes for your grandame. Please take it to her as soon as you can this morning—she'll be needing the herbs.

But don't forget, finish your chores first, and don't dawdle! The path through the woods can be long, and you know how much she depends on you.

I'll be back in a few days' time. Be good, my love.

With all my heart,

Mother

Red sighed, "Well, my cup has runneth over."

Wrapped in a black cloak half dressed, Red made her way outside to begin her chores with a basket in hand.

She wandered to the back yard where the chicken coop lay and gently, one by one, took the eggs. The chickens were always outside by this time, giving the privacy and peace of mind she needs.

They then flocked around her as she fed them a mixture of wheat, barley, and oats.

Using a piece of cloth, she cleaned the eggs carefully as she made her way back inside, where she placed the basket of eggs tenderly next to the birch basket.

Outside again, she watered the flowers and crops around her house methodically from water-logged to water-wise with the fondest sense of felicity.

Next, she swept inside the rustic abode thoroughly as the dust reflected the sunlight peeking through windows.

Wiping sweat off her face, she recoiled her flowing chestnut coloured hair behind her ears preparing gruel, a type of porridge made from boiled grains.

She sweetened it with honey and flavoured it with a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg.

As she boiled it, using a wooden spoon she mixed everything in, the oats, barley, and millet.

As it cooked, she stepped out of the cottage, her hands caressing the plants, and made her way to a nearby stream that ran through the grand meadow where she lived, cuddled in a variety of colourful floras.

The cold morning air tightening her skin.

She sat by the stream and slowly, she took off her black cloak, revealing a naked body.

Dropping the cloak behind her she stepped into the middle of the stream, sitting and relishing in the almost quiet waters.

She closed her eyes fully relaxed in the water, listening to the pleasant melody of birds singing.

She then opened her eyes slowly, gazing off into the distant forest, lost.

Her mind wandered in her relaxed state, at ease.

This present moment was everything, something she always looked forward to, daily, a humble and peaceful bath in the stream.

It was what kept her, prepared her for her day.