Toxic Tales

Blood Red Part 6

I hardly remember the next few minutes, except for some brief flashes: running to my closet and grabbing my black traveling cloak; packing a small bag with two dresses and some gold coins; opening the window and preparing to climb down the wall. The only thing I can vividly remember is kissing my husband's cold lips one last time and whispering, "I'm sorry. I love you" before gently closing his eyes and heading toward the window. I tied the rope from the curtain around the bedpost and used it to lower myself down the side of the palace. It didn't stretch very far, but fortunately our room was low enough for me to jump to the ground and run. I heard some noises and yelling behind me as I ran, but I didn't risk looking back until I was safe under cover of the nearby forest.

When I did eventually look back, I saw lights in every window of the castle. Clearly Snow White's alarm had woken everyone up. I turned and ran deeper into the darkness.

It was only when I found myself in a clearing that I collapsed to the ground, sobbing. In a matter of moments, the only life I had ever wanted was stolen from me, and by none other than an eight-year-old madwoman with seven malicious imaginary friends.

I had no idea what I was supposed to do now. They would be looking for me, and I doubt that with the evidence stacked against me that they would believe my innocence if they found me. I would have to find someplace to hide.

As I continued on through the forest, I prayed to the souls of my mother and friend to protect me on my journey. For once, the monstrous voices in my head were silent.

I ran on until dawn's sunshine broke through the thick canopy of trees. I was so tired I didn't notice the cottage at first.

It was a small structure with a thatched roof and windows with stained glass panels. It looked as though it contained a maximum of three large rooms. I walked up the front path and knocked on the thick wooden door. When no one answered, I tried the handle and opened the door.

There wasn't much light inside, but I noticed that that was due to the closed shutters. Once I opened them, sunlight streamed through and illuminated the room. I was right about there being only three rooms, but I hadn't realized that there was a second floor; a wooden staircase led up to what was probably a bedroom.

Based on the dust that had accumulated on the furniture, I guessed the place had been abandoned many years ago. I made my way slowly up the creaky staircase. The bedroom was dark and shuttered as well, but when I found the window and opened it, I saw a vanity mirror, a bedside table and a little twin bed covered with a thick patchwork quilt.

I was so weary, it was all I could do not to drop down on the bed and cry myself to sleep. However, I forced myself to be careful and returned downstairs. I closed the shutters again and fixed the sliding lock over the door. If the owners of the place made a sudden reappearance, I would have to ask for their trust and help in hiding me until I had the strength to move on.

I returned upstairs and beat as much dust as I could out of the quilt before lying down. I was still wearing the nightdress and dressing gown I'd had on when I fled the palace. When I laid on the bed, my exhaustion got the better of me and I immediately fell asleep.

When I woke up, I wasn't sure what time it was. Opening the shutters, I saw that it was getting darker; I must have slept through most of the day. I was feeling more rested so I made my way back downstairs to get a better look at my new hiding place.

In spite of the dust, everything in the house still seemed to be in good working order, even an old organ resting against the back wall of the main room. I spent the rest of the evening cleaning and scrubbing until all of the dust was finally gone. The house looked more livable now.

Based on the tools and pick axes I found in the back room of the cottage, whoever had once lived here probably did a lot of work with his hands. I found that I was quite hungry, and without a scrap of food anywhere to be found, I ventured outside again.

It had become so dark out that I could barely see the forest path. I followed it away from the house and after a few hundred feet I found myself at the edge of the forest. Nestled nearby was a small town. I ran toward it, hoping to find an open marketplace.

As luck would have it, I managed to buy some bread and meat from a shopkeeper who was just about to close for the night. The woman was very kind to me, and after I'd paid for my purchases she asked me where I lived. I told her I had just moved into the cottage.

"That little one nearby? Oh, a lovely place, indeed! It's changed hands so many times over the years, but it was abandoned about ten years ago. The first owners were a group of brothers who died tragically in a mining accident. How did you find it?"

"Oh, I just—happened upon it the other day."

The woman smiled at me. "Well, welcome to our little town! I do hope to see more of you around here."

I was so grateful for her kindness. After all I'd been through in the past two days, I nearly cried when I thanked her.

About a week went by, and no one came looking for me. I wondered how much longer I could stay there and still be safe.