I light the lamp
in the deep woods.
Travellers beware
of dreams under
the forest floor.
They come back
to seek revenge
from men
who buried them alive,
like me…
Photo credit: Marko on Unsplash
Tag: Fairytale
A Hushed Conversation
A hushed conversation
“Isn’t that the same tree stump we passed twice before?”
“Not sure. Can’t tell one from another in the mist.”
Silence
“Greta, should we call out father’s name?”
“Han! We have been over that before. He isn’t coming. You heard mother last night, didn’t you?”
“She was just complaining about the lack of food…”
“And too many mouths to feed!”
“Then, why didn’t they send us to the king? We could have worked as slaves or something.”
“Because then, they would have to give us food for the way and money for the ride. It beats the whole point.”
Silence
“I’m scared.”
“Me too.”
“And hungry.”
“I’m so hungry, I can smell gingerbread.”
“Me too.”
Silence
“Do you remember what old Rabbi told about the witch house made of gingerbread?”
“He’s senile.”
“I hope he’s right. I would rather be eaten than starved.”
Silence
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
The Real Story
So, I went to this royal ball the other night—my first—and the crown prince took a fancy on me. There were so many others I would rather dance with but he just wouldn’t leave me alone!
At midnight, trying to get him off my back, I told him I was tired and needed to sit down. But he sat down next to me. Then, he wanted to kiss me!
I thought, “Give me a break! I just met you, Creep!”
So, I made an excuse about being late for home and started walking away but he followed. So I ran full out. I even lost one of my pretty crystal shoe and had to hobble all the way to my carriage.
Next day, the stalker was standing at my door. Apparently, he had used my custom-made slipper to find the maker and, through him, me.
Then he proposed me to marry him and I thought, “Well, it doesn’t hurt to be a Queen someday…”
Photo by Eric Nopanen on Unsplash
The Stolen Kiss
The story is now part of a short-story collection available in black-white and coloured prints and as an ebook. I will share the links soon.
Jealous Much?
She ate the apple and then slept like never before. All seven of us tried waking her up for days, right from gentle prodding to slapping and buckets of cold water, but to no avail.
After a few days, when the smell became too much (you don’t bathe when you sleep), we put her bed out so that the Sun will take away a bit of smell.
Then this guy came and kissed her. I guess, he was a bit smelly himself after so many days of being lost in the forest, so he didn’t mind the smell. She woke up and demanded to marry him right away! Why? Because he is tall?
Now, that’s a bit outrageous!
We put in all the work, give her food and lodging, take care of her while she is sleeping, bear with the smell… Then, one sunny day, he comes in on the horseback and he is all she wants? Because he is tall?
He is lost in the forest, dirty and smelly, and doesn’t know his way back home or how to put a cottage together. And still he gets the girl! Because he is tall?
Life is so unfair!
Tiny Story: Reliving the Moment
“In that magical moment, he helped me up from the stairs. When looked at me as he cradled me in his arms, I saw emotions in his eyes… Love? I was taken aback!
Sure I was flattered by the attention but I couldn’t see how things would ever work out between the two of us.
For one, he was a hulk and I petite, almost breakable. Moreover, she had taken away my twin. I don’t think a Prince would look good hobbling around in one shoe.”
Short Stories | Fish-eye Perspective 