Henry's Adventures in Fairytale Land

Betrayal

Henry had gotten lost in the woods that surrounded Storybrooke earlier in the year on a hike with his scout troop. They had taken a break for lunch when Henry saw a rabbit. He followed it, not too far—at least he didn't think. But when he got back, the troop had moved on and no one seemed to notice he wasn't with them.

Remembering the tips that had been drilled into him for years, Henry sat down on the rock and waited. Someone would have to realize soon that he wasn't with them. Maybe Nicholas or his father, the scout master. Henry usually hung around them on these types of trips so they would have to realize he was missing. He would just stay put and any minute, someone would come back for him.

Minutes went by and then an hour, according to his watch. Henry remained on the rock, believing they would have to at least pass by him on their way back down. Then he'd be reunited and they could all go home.

Another hour passed, though, with still no sign of his troop. It was going to start to get dark soon and Henry believed it was getting colder. Staying in one spot was not helping so he decided to retrace his steps. If he got back to the cars, then he'd definitely know they couldn't leave without him.

Henry started down the trail, figuring he'd go faster downhill. But after walking for several minutes, he came to a fork he hadn't realized they had passed. He frowned, wishing he had paid more attention. With no sign, he chose to go right and hope for the best.

The sun began to set but Henry was no closer to the parking lot. He recognized nothing and had yet to pass a sign. With his heart racing and tears pricking his eyes, he feared he'd be lost forever and he'd never see his mother again.

Cold and hungry, Henry found a rock to sit down on. He pulled out his flashlight as well as some trail mix. There was also a notebook and a pen in there. Should he write a letter to his mother? Just in case?

What kind of thought was that for a ten years-old?

"Henry? Henry!" A familiar accented voice yelled through the trees. "Henry, are you out there?"

He popped up, shining his flashlight in the direction of the voice. "Robin? Is that you?"

"Henry?" A dark form carrying a bright light appeared on the trail and started to run toward him. "Henry!"

Robin engulfed him in a hug, holding him close. "Oh, thank god. We were worried sick about you."

Tears running down his face, Henry clung to Robin and told him his entire tale. Robin sighed. "Sounds like there are a lot of improvements I need to make. But first, let's get you back to your mother. She's worried sick."

Even though he was ten, Henry held Robin's hand all the way back to the parking lot. He didn't let go until he was safe in his mother's arms. She ran her hand over him, checking for any injuries. "I'm fine, Mom. Just cold and hungry," he said.

"Then I'll take you to Granny's for dinner," she said before turning to Robin. "Would you like to join us? Consider it a thank you."

He smiled. "I love to. I'll meet you two there?"

Mom agreed and ushered Henry into her car before grabbing his chin. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, Mom," Henry replied before looking down. "I'm sorry I wandered off. I thought I hadn't gone too far but when I got back, they were gone."

"Well, you were wrong to walk away from the group but Mr. Tillman was responsible for you. He should've done a head count and make sure you were all present and accounted for. He's going to get another earful tomorrow, trust me."