the journey of little red riding hood Sonia Marta 7E
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he sun’s rays glanced down at her, softly reflecting off her red cloak as her eyes slowly opened to the sight of green, fresh trees.
Little Red Riding Hood looked to her right, caught sight of something fleecy and colossal, then heard what at first sounded like a low almost imperceptible rumbling, which heightened the senses as it transformed into an unsettling, unwelcomed growl. A strong, pungent smell filled the air. The image which slowly came into focus before her, was something she had never seen before. An enormous, shaggy bear. She quickly pulled herself together, and tried to make a run for it, before the muddy brown animal could selfishly eat her for breakfast. The scared, little girl could feel the bear close behind as she ran through the forest along a narrow mossy path, and then, as if in the flash of a second, it miraculously disappeared. Just like that‌POOF!...never to be seen again‌or so she thought. As she returned along the mossy-green path, she heard the birds chirping loudly, their pitch becoming more urgent. Branches appeared to grow denser in her way, as the faulty path quickly faded away. She glanced down at herself: her trembling body was covered in mud, head to toe. She was no longer the girl she once was, transformed into the image of an unknown stranger. And more was yet to come. Traumatized by a wolf that had tried to eat her grandmother, and badly shaken by recent events, Little Red Riding Hood continued on her way to visit her dear grandmother, a basket full of goods she has gathered that morning securely carried in arm. Passing over a small decrepit bridge that separated the two ‘lands’ (the paltry village and the mystical forest), she again heard a loud deep-chested rumbling growl coming from the direction where her grandmother lived. Stricken with fear and panic, she dropped the basket, and began running towards the house, as fast as her little feet would carry her. Desperate to find her grandmother safe and well, she looked frantically left and right as passed through the forest with great haste. However, to her amazement, upon her arrival she discovered the door firmly shut and blinds drawn with warm glow emanating out from within. Whatever it was, it certainly couldn’t have been here, as it was exactly as she had left it earlier that
morning. Then from somewhere close, she heard a twig snap. Something was following her. She looked again to make sure her ears hadn’t deceived her. Again, there was nothing there. Whatever she heard was either her rich imagination playing tricks on her, or she was in real danger from some unseen force. She tilted her head toward the leafy floor, in search of a big, strong stick she could use to defend herself. Then she heard it again. The bushes behind her started to shake. Something was there. Little red Riding Hood grabbed her stick and waved it at the bush. Then suddenly, out peeked a small, frightened rabbit. What was happening to her? Then, just as she was about to drop her stick, she caught a glimpse of a big, brown bear running directly towards her. Her hands were trembling, her throat grew dry. Overwhelmed with emotion, she stood motionless, as if glued to the spot where she stood awaiting her fate. It was the very same bear AGAIN. And then, suddenly the sands of time began to flow and Little Red Riding Hood threw her stick down, turned, and ran as fast as her little legs would carry her inside the house, not looking back, slamming the door shut as she entered. Finally, she was safe and sound at her grandmothers. How good it felt to be inside, safe and secure, away from the threat of the forest and the night, the smell of dinner ready to be served at the table, by a warm inviting fireplace. The Christmas tree was up, newly decorated, the sweet aroma of cinnamon permeating every corner of the cozy cottage, drifting out into the starry night. “Don’t forget to put the plates in the cupboard!� her grandmother called out, as Little Red Riding Hood washed the last of the dishes. They had finished dinner and Little Red Riding Hood was now ready to head to bed. She placed the last of the dishes away in the cupboard and walked toward the kitchen door, noticing a soft scraping sound at the frosted window. She looked out see the snow gently falling and there before her was the bear looking forlorn, and alone, in search of a warm fireplace, and hot meal on Christmas Eve. It was at that moment that Little Red Riding Hood understood that all creatures are the children of god, deserving of the warmth of companionship, a warm meal, and a place to rest one's weary head.