Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (A Twist on the Classic Fairy Tale) [ON HOLD]

Chapter Three

Snow White's breaths turned choppy and short as she ran through the forest, growing more frantic and afraid by the second. Tree branches changed into wrinkly fingers, grasping at her hair and dress. It seemed darker outside, and there seemed to be a pair of glowing eyes everywhere, watching her every move. Her heart thudded against her chest, and she was sure that the creatures prowling around her were listening and waiting for their moment to strike. 

Tears escaped down her cheeks as she screamed, falling into a dark, murky river. Alligators snapped and snarled at her face, flicking their tails with anticipation as they swam closer. Snow White's eyes grew even wider as she screamed once more, splashing and swimming loudly as she tried to escape back to land. Finally, she reached the riverbank, pulled herself up, and collapsed into a deep sleep.

When the young princess awoke, and the sun was showing through the clouds, she saw everything much clearer. The big, wrinkly fingers weren't actually fingers at all, just some branches from a fruit tree. The creepy glowing eyes were the little woodland animals, squirrels, bunnies, and birds. The alligators were really just logs floating along in a beautiful river, not a dark and murky one. 

"Oh my..." she whispered to herself, sitting up and looking around. "What a fool I was." She brushed off her dress as best as she could, and when she stood up, she was surprised to see the cute woodland creatures surrounding her. They looked at her warily.

"I am so, so sorry!" Snow White cooed, kneeling down again. A bunny backed away, eyes wide. "I didn't mean to frighten you last night. I was very scared, and a bit out of my mind," she giggled, trying to lighten the tension. 

"You see," she continued, "someone evil is after me. I really need a place to sleep, and some food. Do any of you know of someplace like this?" she asked, looking around at the bunnies, squirrels, deer, owls, and other creatures.

All of the animals nodded enthusiastically, gesturing for the princess to follow them. They led her to a tiny cottage. Snow White examined the door. "Hm, it's quite small," she exclaimed. "And the windows are dusty," she said as she wiped one off. The inside was very messy, a pic axe here, dishes piling up in the sink, small chairs tipped over. A deer nudged her knock on the door, but no one answered. 

I really need somewhere to sleep. She turned the knob, and the door swung open. I'll clean it for them to earn my keep.

The princess waved a cheerful goodbye to the animals who where heading back to their homes, and got to work on tidying up the dreadfully messy little home.

"Just whistle while you work

And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place.

So hum a merry tune, it won't take long,

When there's a song, to help you set the pace."

Snow White continued singing and when she was finished, she collapsed onto the seven beds, the peculiar names written on the headboards floating around in her mind.. Doc, Happy, Sneezy, Dopey, Grumpy, Bashful, Sleepy...