Ruby nodded, sadness etched in their features. The grandmother looked off towards the heavens and sighed. "Come child," said she finally in a voice slightly broken. "The food is awaiting." Dinner was a silent affair as the goods in the basket had only provided Ruby a few hours sustenance. The grandmother, on the other hand, seemed to be in deep thought. "Child." said she suddenly, and Ruby abruptly looked up from their stew. "You will stay the night with me. In the morn, I will escort you partially back. There is a shortcut that shall ease your way slightly. When it joins the path, you are on your own. Is that clear?" Ruby nodded, having no desire to walk back through the darkened forest. That night was spent restlessly. Their grandmother took her gun and left the house. And though the bed provided for Ruby was far from uncomfortable, they were kept awake by the terrifying sounds outside, fear for their fearless grandmother and the thought of returning home to their cruel parents. They must have fallen asleep for they were suddenly being shaken awake by their bright-eyed grandmother. Mumbling indistinctly, they dragged themselves to the table where in front of their face was placed a bowl of delicious smelling porridge. Slowly but surely, they shoveled the food into their mouth and became increasingly more and more awake as their grandmother recounted the night's events. She had not shot the beast, but had heard it nearby, though it never came near. And as soon as the last spoonful of porridge was swallowed, the bowl was whisked away and dumped unceremoniously into the dishwater basin. The grandmother jumped to her feet. "Come child." said she, motioning Ruby to hurry, "Though we may be taking a shortcut, it is still a long journey." They walked, side by side, enjoying a companionable silence, interrupted by the slight rustle of the basket on Ruby's arm and the clicking of the gun upon the grandmother's back. When they arrived, the grandmother took a knife from inside her boot and slashed a cut onto a nearby tree. It looked not unlike the other trees nearby, which were marked with harsh claw marks and marks from teeth. As they had walked, Ruby had noticed bones littered throughout, and shuddered to think of what it might have been. Their grandmother turned to them and said, "This is where I leave you. I have marked this tree so you may find this path again. Farewell." But she said no more as Ruby rushed forward and hugged her tightly. Their grandmother squeezed back just as tightly. When they broke apart, the grandmother waved to Little Ruby as they began the trek home. Their grandmother watched until Ruby had disappeared from sight before turning homewards.
YOU ARE READING
The Untimely Death of Little Ruby Rider
FantasyIn a small village, there lived a young child by the name of Ruby Rider. Yet, there was something strange about this child. This child was neither male nor female, but simply was. And they were just like any normal child. Tragically, their mother an...
