Unhappy News
1068 Words
Red headed to the Woodsman's cottage, scanning the trail ahead of her and taking note as she went along. She could hear a few birds chirping in the trees above. The croak from a frog echoed from a bush nearby, joined by another one just a few inches away. Red smiled as she walked. She enjoyed nature and took a deep breath. All fell silent as a twig snapped in the brush. Red froze; she was on alert now. She carefully and quietly turned to the direction the sound came from. She held her breath as she looked - she didn't see anything out of the ordinary. No movement in the bushes; no unusual sounds. The hair stood up on the back of her neck at the absolute silence surrounding her. She heard another snap in the bushes to her right, but this time it sounded farther away. She waited, but heard nothing. A nearby frog let out a brave little croak and jumped across the path in front of her. A few croaks came from the other side of the path, followed by a few tentative chirps from the birds up above. Red let her breath out, slowly. Whatever had spooked her was now gone. Or so she thought. Something deep in the woods watched as she continued on her way to the cottage.
She reached the little walkway to The Woodsman's cottage, and made her way to the door. She no longer sported a red cape, but the nickname given to her stuck. She was always going to be known as Red. She knocked on the door and waited. The Woodsman opened the door and stepped aside, letting her in. Red walked past him and headed to the kitchen where Miss C sat. Carter sat sipping on his coffee, next to her counselor. The Woodsman brushed past her as he took his seat at the table. "There's coffee. Grab a cup." Red smiled and went to the counter where a mug sat waiting for her. She grabbed the pot and poured a swirling black mess into her cup. She sniffed appreciatively as she lifted the mug to her lips. After her sip, she turned to the party sitting before her. "What is this, an intervention?" She joked. Miss C looked at the young woman. She knew Red was going to have a hard time of it. "No, Red. We have some news that you may want to hear. Please sit down."
Red sat down, worried now. Her mouth was suddenly dry, and she swallowed. "What is it?" The Woodsman cleared his throat. "We have news that The Wolf has escaped." The blood left Red's face and she felt woozy. "What do you mean, escaped? I thought he was dead." She looked at The Woodsman, searching his face. The Woodsman looked down, hesitated, and then looked at Red. "I told you he was dead so you wouldn't worry. You were having nightmares when I took you in. You wouldn't eat. I did what I felt was necessary at the time. I didn't think he would be a danger to you anymore." Red sat quietly for a moment. She was willing the rising panic back down, before it engulfed her. She took several deep measured breaths, counting in and out as she did so. She closed her eyes for a moment.
Red opened her eyes, focusing her attention on The Woodsman. She knew he cared, and understood why he kept that information from her. She would not let it come between them. He was like a father to her, and she relied on him. "I heard a noise in the woods on my over here. I didn't see anything, but felt like I was being watched. It would be a good idea to check the perimeter and double the sentries." The Woodsman nodded in approval at her suggestions. He had spent a lot of time training her, and she stepped in the leadership role with ease. He stood up and walked over to her. He put his hand on her shoulder as he looked at her. "I'm sorry I kept this from you." Red nodded. "I know. I'm okay." She glanced at the other two, sitting quietly while watching the scene unfold. "You two don't have to worry, I'm not going to kill him." The all laughed.
Carter stood up and looked at Miss C. "Should I walk you back to your cottage?" Miss C stood up and grabbed her coat. "That would be nice." She paused in front of Red and put her coat on. "Red, let's talk after dinner tonight." Red nodded. "I'll be there." Carter walked over to the door and opened it, waiting for Miss C to walk through. He glance back and with a casual salute, walked out the door. Red started walking to the door as well, when The Woodsman stopped her. "Can you stay and finish your coffee? I'd like to run a few things by you." Red paused, and then turned back to the table. She didn't want to leave Gretel too long, but a few more minutes wouldn't hurt.
He studied her. "What are you really feeling?" She shrugged, not meeting his eyes. He frowned. He needed her to be honest so they could deal with this head on. "Red." The young woman looked up at him. "I'm scared. That's it. I had a dream about that day, and on my way over here I thought I heard something in the brush. Something watching. And when I get here, I find out that The Wolf is still alive and he's escaped whatever jail cell he was in. I'm f*****g angry." Her face twisted in anger. She reached up and touched the scar on her face.
The Woodsman didn't respond at first. He knew it was best to let her get it out. When he thought she was done, he stood up and walked over to the cupboard he kept locked. He fished the key out of his pocket and opened it. Red stood up and walked to his side, curious now. The Woodsman reached in and pulled out the ax. He held it in his hands between them. They both looked down at it. Red spoke first. "Is this the ax?" He nodded. He gestured for her to take it. "I think it's time for you to have this."
- Writer
