Gingerbread House

In a small cottage on the outskirts of a forest, there lived a family of four. There was the father Hans, the stepmother Honey, and the two children Hansel and Gretel. They lived happily for a while until a great famine struck their homestead. Hans was a craftsman of great caliber and had made numerous wooden trinkets in order to sell to the city in order to procure food in order for the family to survive the winter. Hans promised to return in one week’s time.

After days had passed, a letter had arrived addressed to Honey. My dearest Honey, the lands here are rich and full. I arrived safely and have made some small sales on my whittled items. However, I believe I will not return in the time I had promised. I hope that if I spend a little more time then I will be able to acquire enough food to at least survive the winter as expected. I expect this letter to arrive in two days time of writing it, and I shall be a further five days from home. Hopefully, the spring will allow for a bounty of food but until then, I am sure we will need to ration what food we may get. Look after the children and I hope you are well. Hans. Honey read the letter multiple times over the course of the day and began to scheme. She realised that with what meagre portions her husband would bring back and how much the children ate, they might be able to survive but only just. She plotted to get rid of the children and came up with her devious plan over the course of the night.

The morning rose and she had not had much sleep. “Oh Hansel. Oh Gretel. Breakfast is ready,” she called out to the children. They entered the kitchen and saw a single bowl of porridge alongside two slices of bread. Honey sat down at the dining table and pulled the porridge closer to her. Before she began to eat, she eyed the children as they each had quizzical expressions. “I know you was looking forward to more, but I have received a letter from your father. Unfortunately, he will not return in a couple of days like promised. There is even more bad news, we now need to ration to survive the winter let alone longer. This famine has struck us hard. Now I have come up with a plan,” she smirked, grabbing a sharp knife for the side of her, “if you take this knife, which I have sharpened especially for you, you could help the family and go hunting. You could bring us back some delicious rabbit or deer for us to enjoy. I know Hansel, you are quite adept in hunting and the layout of the forest, so I would like you to take your sister and go out hunting. You can take these pieces of bread with you and have a snack along the way.” Before the children could even say anything, Honey stood up passing Hansel the knife and giving Gretel the two slices of bread. She ushered them out of the back door and into the garden which lead to the forest. “Good luck.”

As the door slammed shut, Hansel and Gretel looked to each other. “If it is to help papa, then we can go hunting,” Gretel announced, her sullen tones betraying her small smiling face. Hansel shrugged his shoulders, “I am not sure what we can find without going deep into the woods and with only a knife we might have a difficult time. Yet mother is relying on us.” The duo nodded at each other and made their way into the dark opening of the woods.

Gretel lead the way, and decided to use the bread to make a trail whenever they went off the dirt footpaths. She would tear small pieces of bread leaving it behind them. As they got further into the forest, she had used the last piece of bread and turned to Hansel. “Is this far enough? I believe I don’t have any more breadcrumbs to continue a trail behind us…” Her voice faded as she noticed there was no trail of breadcrumbs and then she noticed Hansel chewing. “Trail of breadcrumbs? I’m sorry, I picked them up I believe you were trying to lure more animals out and I thought of using them in a trap. Although I admit my hunger betrayed me.” Hansel held out his hand which now held a small mound of breadcrumbs. He bowed his head and Gretel felt sorry for him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled a little, “it’s okay. I didn’t explain my plan to you. It was my fault brother. We haven’t walked for that much I am sure we can find our way out easily. Let’s put the breadcrumbs to some use and place a trap here. There are vines we can use for a rope.” Hansel smiled back relieved and in agreement. Together the duo set up a small trap and hoped to catch something soon.

Honey smirked as the nighttime arrived and the children weren’t to be found. She hoped that her plan had worked and that they had gotten lost in the forest. She sat on a chair by the fireplace as stoked the fire grinning to herself. ‘I never wanted children myself but for my love I could not just get rid of them without him noticing. I just hope that I can persuade him it is for the better when he returns. Only a short while to wait and we can be together, just the two of us my love.’ She sighed and she thought quietly to herself. She pulled a blanket tighter to herself and let herself drift off to sleep.

Hansel awoke from the sound of rustling and realised that he and Gretel had fallen asleep. He tried nudged his sister awake as he watched a squirrel enter his trap. He grabbed the end of the vine ready to pull it and capture the squirrel when Gretel yawned awake and caught his arm. The squirrel perked up at the noise and ran off into the forest as the trap was tripped. The small pile of breadcrumbs flew into the air and spread along the dirt. He sighed and Gretel rubbed her eyes and saw what had happened. She apologised to her brother, he calmed her and said it was ok. He walked over to where the trap was set but couldn’t make out where the breadcrumbs had landed due to the darkness. Gretel kept close to her brother as the dark of the forest began to creep ever closer. “It has become night, what should we do brother?”

“It is fine, the moon is full so there will be glimmers of light we just need to find one with a clearing and we can make camp. I do not think it is a good idea to try to make our way home until tomorrow. We can even try to hunt again before we get home. I’m sure mother will be pleased if we return with anything.” Gretel nodded and she pointed to the nearest stream of light.

The duo followed the trickles of light until they arrived at what appeared to be an opening. As they stepped out into a pool of moonlight, they noticed a giant house on the edge of the large clearing. Hansel made his way forward with Gretel hesitantly following. “Wait brother, what if the owner is not kind?”

“We can only try and see,” he replied but grasp the knife tightly in his hand. As the children approached the house they soon realised it was made out of a sweet smelling gingerbread. They looked around and noticed that there was no one. ‘Strange,’ Gretel thought, ‘why would anyone make a house made of gingerbread in the middle of the forest?’ She wanted to ask out loud but also wanted to stay quiet. Suddenly, a loud growling echoed throughout the clearing. Hansel blushed. “I am sorry dear sister, I believe my hunger has betrayed me.” Before Gretel could say anything her own stomach growled answering her brothers. “I’m sure that the house is well built enough that we could nibble on the edges and then whoever owns it will return.” Although they tried to resist the temptation of the gingerbread house, the duo found themselves unable to fight their urge for food any longer and began to eat some of it.

As hours passed, a young woman came into view of the children. “Oh dear, you two must have been really hungry and you look so tired,” she announced as she approached them. Gretel pulled her brother away and he held out the knife pushing Gretel behind him. “No, no. It is okay children. I left home to get some flowers that only bloom in the moonlight and I have a secret. This place is magical. I would say eat to your hearts content but how about you come inside and rest. I will be able to cook something more nourishing while you rest.” The woman smiled kindly and held her hand out gently before speaking again, “the parts that you have consumed will soon repair come morning, it always does. I must apologise, my house here usually only helps lure wild animals I never intended it to lure children.” She held her arm out firmly and Hansel put down the knife. He nodded to Gretel and the duo followed the woman inside.

The gingerbread house appeared to be huge but cosy on the inside. Unlike its exterior the inside was made of wood much like their own home and the woman led the two to a room near the front entrance. “This is my bed chambers, I don’t expect to ever have guests but you two may sleep here I will take the chair in the lounge for tonight if that is okay with you.” Hansel yawned and nodded, Gretel seemed apprehensive but followed suit. The woman left the children in the room. Hansel clambered into the bed and placed his head on the pillow. It was soft and alluring and he felt himself drifting off to dreamland. “I’m not sure about this brother. This seems too strange to be true,” Gretel announced her concerns and turned to see that Hansel had already fallen asleep. She sighed and walked to the side of the bed. She pulled the knife from her brother’s loosened grip and lay in the bed next to him. “I will stay awake, and watch over you.” She repeated herself and began this as a mantra. However her own tiredness betrayed her and soon she found herself journey her brother in dreamland.

Gretel awoke to the sound of birds chirping and the smell of food coming through the open door. She sat up groggily and looked to the side of the bed. Hansel was missing. She bolted out of bed and rushed through the door. Before she had chance to say anything, she saw Hansel sat at a table waiting patiently as the young woman was cooking over a pot. “Good morning my dear,” the woman said, “I apologise that we did not wake you sooner, but your brother requested you to rest.” Gretel looked to Hansel beaming with a huge grin. She shook her head, and spoke as she approached the nearby chair, “it is okay. I am sure brother had his reasons. I am sorry but I think we must be leaving soon.”

“Leaving? But at least have something to eat first. I know it is not porridge, in fact it is a hearty meat stew but I would like to discuss something.” The woman placed a trio of large bowls on the table. She sat down at the empty spot and beckoned Gretel to sit and eat. Hansel was already digging in. “Tastes like chicken, but what is it?” He asked trying to interrupt the silence. Gretel sighed and joined them at the table. She didn’t touch the food in front of her and waited for her host. The woman took a spoonful and slurped the stew up. “It is rabbit actually but I put some herbs found around the forest and the taste changes. Go on and eat.” Gretel reluctantly took a spoon and ate a mouthful. ‘It does taste like chicken,’ she thought in surprise. She felt herself hesitant but couldn’t resist the food in front of her and gobbled up a couple more mouthfuls before speaking again. “You said you wanted to speak to us? But first let us introduce ourselves. I am Gretel…”

“And I am Hansel. What is your name?”

“Unfortunately, I do not remember. That is partly why I wanted to speak with you. Unfortunately, I found myself alone here in these woods a few years back, I had no knowledge of who I was and no matter how hard I tried I could not find my way out. Eventually I settled here when I found this magical house. However, I believe that alongside my memory I have been cursed. In the early days, I managed to use the house to lure animals in and capture them but I tried to grow some food from the local vegetation around here but I found that unless I forage it, anything I grow withers and dies before I can eat it, no matter how fresh it is. That leads me to a favour of sorts. I would like the two of you to stay at least for a day, and help grow something for me. I hope that I can have a good meal made from fresh items for a change. Now before you ask, with the magic of this place I will only need you for one full day. The food will grow in two but once you have planted and worked the soil for me after a day I should not need any more help. Hopefully, then I can eat the food myself, and the curse will class it as foraging rather than growing it myself. What would you say?” Hansel looked over to his sister awaiting her lead. Gretel sighed. “I am thankful for the food and the shelter but I am sure our stepmother must be worried as we did not return home last night. I believe that we should try to return home soon. I am sure that we can work the land a little before we leave but we must not stay too long.” Hansel grinned again. “I work the farm at home. I am good at this. It will not take more than a couple of hours and then we can make our leave.” The woman nodded, “that is agreeable. I will pack you up some small treats from the house itself and then send you on your way once you have finished.”

After the meal, the woman lead Hansel and Gretel to a side room where there were garden tools. Hansel grabbed a hoe, whilst Gretel grabbed a couple of seeds and a full watering can. The woman lead the duo outside and to a small patch of soil where they can work before heading back to the house with a basket and pulling some of the sweets off of it. Gretel watched her carefully and noticed to her surprise that the house had magically repaired itself like the woman had explained the night before. As Hansel began to till the soil, Gretel leaned in and whispered, “I am not so sure about this woman. She does not remember her name, she lives in a magical home, she claims she cannot cook but that food was delicious and she wants us to stay. I can see it in her eyes. I believe she maybe a witch brother. I think she maybe trying to force us to stay for some nefarious reason.” Hansel froze for a second and looked towards his sister. “She may be a witch, I think you have a point but I feel some kindness from her. I actually feel like she is familiar to me. I cannot quite put my finger on it but regardless just a couple of hours of work and we can attempt to find the trail home again.” Gretel sighed, she too had felt the air of familiarity with this woman but she did not recognise her. She waited for Hansel to finish tilling some of the soil before planting the seeds and pouring out some of the water. As she watched where she had planted the first seed she noticed that it had began to glow with an extraordinary shine. Gretel was in awe of what was happening but the plant was growing at an exceptionally fast rate. She shook off the feeling before moving over to the next plot and continuing onwards.

After only one hours work, the duo returned to the woman. “We are finished,” Hansel announced happily.

“So soon, but it should have taken at least twice as long, it did for me.” She looked over to the plots. “Oh my, how wonderful.” She didn’t explain and handed Gretel the basket full of gingerbread house bits before wandering over to the growth. “I don’t believe it but the potato seeds and wild onions are growing at a quicker rate than normal or at least quicker than I am normally able to grow them. I believe these will be full grown in only a couple of hours and will regrow by the day. Thank you children, you have helped me greatly.” Gretel could see a question pursed on the woman’s lips but nothing came out. She looked into the basket and saw a canteen alongside the food. The woman had prepped enough for them. There was also a small stack of shiny pebbles. “Thank you for the food and water, but what are these pebbles for?” The woman turned towards the children. “In case you wish to return here. These are called glowstones. Place them on your path and you should be able to make a trail then if you get lost you can find your way back. The forest is large and hopefully you can find your way home but if not you can return. Even if you do return home I would not mind visitors in the future.”

Gretel seemed nervous but nodded. “We must be on our way.” She grabbed Hansel and then waved goodbye to the woman before entering the woods again.

Hansel had been carefully placing the glowstones down as they made their way through the trees. Gretel had been carefully trying to figure out which way home would be, but every trial they seemed to find themselves circling back and finding another glowstone they had placed earlier. She grunted in frustration. “It has been hours brother and every way we go we return back to the same spot. Maybe the witch cursed us.”

“Would that be so bad?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, father is always away on travels trying to sell wooden trinkets to get food, and mother is… well she is not a kind woman is she?”

“She is our mother Hansel. She is stern because she has to be. It is difficult in this famine and she is only stern to make sure you do not eat everything in sight.”

“She is our step mother Gretel. All I am thinking is that maybe we should return to the kind lady and wait out the famine. She may even let us ask mother and father to join, if we ever find our way out.” Gretel sighed and sat down in the dirt. She pulled open the basket and grabbed a couple of pieces of gingerbread. She handed one to Hansel who joined her. “Do you think mother sent us here on purpose?” She felt the words exiting her mouth before she could even think. Hansel froze and opened his mouth to speak before Gretel continued. “I mean, she would not want us gone, would she? She loves us, right brother?” Hansel continued to munch on the gingerbread knowing that Gretel was talking to herself more than him as she did this often. Gretel began to weep. “She sent us here to die not find food,” she cried as Hansel pulled her in for a hug.

“I am sure that is not the case sister. I am sure mother sent us into the forest to find meat to help with the famine. I do not think she expected us to get lost.” Gretel nodded and wiped her eyes. The duo heard a crack and looked into the sky as it had begun to get darker. “I think we have been trying for hours and it looks like a storm is coming in maybe we should consider returning to the gingerbread house and the kind woman.” Gretel nodded in agreement to her brother. ‘I hope that this is not a trick of the witch,’ she thought to herself. They followed the glowstones back to the clearing.

“Oh? You have returned so soon,” the woman announced, clearly shocked. As Gretel followed her brother forward she noticed that the clearing was devoid of clouds but there was a clearly a storm in the surrounding forest. The woman followed Gretel’s gaze. “Ah, yes. The storm. Well i have always found it weird but there is never anything but clear skies here. The plots are placed so that they get the water run off from rain, but other than the run off we do not get affected by the weather that happens.” The woman smiled slightly and beckoned the children inside. As the two rested from their journey and listened to the thunder outside, Gretel watched the woman going to a rather large stove. “Why do you need such a big oven?” She asked, watching the woman close the door.

“Ah. I honestly do not. It was already here. I assumed this place was built by someone who could use the surroundings better than I. I mostly use it to cook the small amounts of meat I do get but nothing more than enough to eat goes in.” Gretel eyed her curiously. ‘Nothing more than enough to eat,’ she thought cogs in the head turning. She turned back to the window and watched as the moon rose in the sky and lit up the clearing they were placed. The woman placed three plates on the table and called the duo over. They ate in silence and the duo retired to the bedroom for the night.

The next day arrived with the crackle of thunder echoing around the house once more. The storm was still there. Hansel woke up first once again and after leaving the bedroom was approached by the woman. “Up early again I see?” Her voice curious and airy.

“Yes ma’am. I always have to get up early to tend to the farm land we have back home. I am used to it. Speaking of, I thought I could go out and tend to the plots again whilst we wait for Gretel to wake up. I looked towards the forest edge where your current garden plots are and I believe we can extend it and grow you a little more.”

“No, there is no need. I only need to have enough food for myself. I never have any visitors and have never had to feed more than myself. Then there’s the house itself. If I need extra portions then I use the gingerbread to give me a snack. It is quite enjoyable. In fact, if you plan on looking at the garden again today, then you can have some of the gingerbread whenever you feel hungry.”

“I would enjoy that, thank you.” Hansel went and fetched the tools and made his way to the garden. Before we approached the plots he looked to the gingerbread wall and pulled a part off. He began to eat it quickly and carried on.

Gretel awoke to find Hansel already gone once more. She lay in the bed, thoughts bouncing in her head as she heard the storm still ongoing. She climbed out of bed and looked out of the window. Hansel was sat outside, eating through a pile of the gingerbread. She furrowed her brow and began to walk towards the door when she overheard the woman speaking. “Those children are so thin. I wonder if I can persuade them to eat a little more and put some meat on their bones.” Gretel’s eyes widened as a fearful thought popped into her brain. ‘Could she be fattening us up to eat us? There are tales of witches eating children.’ A chill went through the girl and she shuddered. She gulped and knew that she needed to get to Hansel and they needed to escape. As she walked out into the hallway trying to keep her expression calm, she watched for the woman. She was stood at her cooking pot with her back turned. Gretel crept along to the front door and placed her hand on the handle. “Good morning dear, would you like some breakfast?” Gretel gulped and turned around. The woman was placing another large bowl on the table. “Yes. I will go get him.” Gretel pulled open the door and rushed outside towards Hansel. “Hansel, we need to leave as soon as possible. I overheard the woman wanting to fatten us up. I believe she wants to eat us.” Hansel forced down another bit of the gingerbread before speaking. “Why would she do that?”

“Remember all those tales mother told us about witches. I am shocked I did not make the connection sooner. All of the tales had a witch eating people specifically children.”

“Sweet sister, those were only stories. They are not true.”

“But…”

“Smell that…” Hansel began, taking a long sniff, “it appears breakfast is ready.” Hansel grabbed Gretel and pulled her back towards the house.

Gretel stared at the large bowl in front of her. She moved her spoon to and fro whilst aware of Hansel taking in large mouthfuls. “Are you not hungry dear?”

“Oh. Sorry. I do not believe I am feeling well. In fact Hansel seems to be looking little under the weather too.”

“I am?” Hansel stared at his sister.

“Yes, you are. How about we both retreat to the room for today and try to get some rest?” Gretel grabbed her brother and headed for the bedroom. The door closed loudly before the woman or Hansel could object. “I shall look at the herbs and I will try to brew you something to help with your illness and you two can take a little rest. I hope you will feel better soon,” the woman shouted from the other side of the door. Hansel shrugged his shoulders. “What is going on sister?”

“I have a plan brother. I do not trust that woman. We need to wait in here until the storm clears and we can sneak out and escape. When we need to eat we will in here and we can feign illness until then. Brother I want you to stay hidden by the window and keep pulling off gingerbread so we can have food for a journey home. Then no matter how long it takes we will not need to return for food. I will look around here. I understand you still think we are fine but there is no harm in at least preparing for the journey home.” Hansel nodded reluctantly. He seemed uncertain but agreed that this maybe the best plan to get them home, whether she was right about the woman. The hours went by and the woman only came to check on them twice but as night came, the duo decided to take a break. Even though Gretel had found a jar and used some water to make a makeshift lantern with the glowstones, they had decided to leave as soon as dawn hit.

Honey sat on her chair next to the warm fireplace listening to the storm outside. She smiled coyly and snuggled into a blanket she had on top of her. As she began to rest, she heard the handle of the door turn. She looked towards it. She expected to see the children return somehow but was shocked to see Hans, her husband, walk through the door. She got up out of her seat and approached him. “Dearest, you scared me. I did not think you were due to return yet.”

“Oh Honey, my sweet, the storm was in the city as well and with no signs of it clearing I decided to leave as sales were not so good.” He placed a bag down and pulled out some food. “I did manage to get enough food for winter as promised. If you do not mind, can you place these in storage whilst I go and look in at the children. I assume they must be in bed as they are not here.” Honey rushed to try to stop him but he had already opened the door to the children’s bedroom before she could get there. “Honey, where are the children?”

“I was about to tell you. They decided to go hunting in the forest and have yet to return.”

“In this storm?”

“Yes, I wanted to stop them but Hansel insisted that the weather would help with the hunting and I…”

“The noises would be helpful but they should have come back by now. I think we should go out to find them.”

“But dearest, they can take care of themselves, can they not?”

“The storm is quite bad. I think this is best. You may stay if you insist but I will go out.”

“No it will be quicker if we both look.” She grabbed her coat and they exited the cottage.

Honey and Hans had been searching the forest for a couple of hours when they came to a fork in the trail. “We should split up here, they could not have gone much further in,” Honey suggested, “we can meet back soon if we have no luck.” Hans looked at her unsure but nodded reluctantly. “I shall take the left trail, you the right,” she announced and began walking. Hans couldn’t object as the woman was already marching ahead. He couldn’t help but admire her determination.

It was not long before Honey found the clearing with the gingerbread house. “Curious,” she said, a smirk spreading across her face. She went to approach the front door and noticed the children through the window before getting there. She knocked hard on the door. After a minute, it opened and a woman was stood there. “Hello, I apologise for the lateness but I am looking for two children. You have not seen them, have you?”

“Hello, yes indeed. There are two children here. May I ask who you are?”

“I am their mother. They failed to return from a hunting trip and I have come to find them. May I come in?” The woman stood aside as Honey entered the room. “They are in the bedroom and have said that they are unwell.” Honey approached the room the woman had directed her to, she rapped slightly and opened the door. Gretel was sat staring at her. “Mother?” Her voice echoed and woke up Hansel. Hansel wiped his eyes and stared at Honey. They rushed up and hugged her. “Are you two okay?” Honey asked curiously.

“Yes, but that woman is a witch. She has this magical house and the plants are magical and…” Gretel whispered until she was hushed. Honey leaned in to Gretel. She began to whisper, “I am aware. The house magically replenished itself and the plants can grow but only if she does not grow them. I have seen this. However, I am glad you are safe, and shocked you have not been eaten yet. Witches like to eat little children like yourself. The only way out of here is if we defeat the witch.” Gretel furrowed her brow. The cogs in her head turning yet again. She nodded slowly as the trio walked into the main room. The woman stood by the table. “You could stay until morning…”

“My husband is still out searching so we must leave.” As Honey and the children turned to leave, Gretel watched as Honey waved her hand and the door locked. Her eyes went wide. Honey reached the handle and she turned it but the door didn’t budge. “The door is jammed? Can you help us?” The woman walked to the front door and tried it. “Curious, it appears locked. I believe the key is somewhere. I shall go look.” As the woman walked down to the closet, Gretel rushed to the window and watched as her mother twisted her hand again. She tried anyway but the window was locked too. Gretel furrowed her brow and fixed her expression before turning towards her mother and her brother. “Now sweetie, I have a plan. I saw the large oven and I will light it. We can trick the witch and when she goes to check on it. I will push her in. Then we can force her to let us out.” Gretel stayed quiet and Hansel nodded. As Honey walked towards the stove, Gretel leaned in. “Brother, I need you to believe me and trust me. Mother is a witch. She locked the door and the window with magic. I know it sounds absurd but I do not think she wants us leaving. Remember how the woman said she was cursed. What if mother had cursed her? What if mother wanted to get rid of us by sending us in this forest and now she has a better chance?”

“I believe you. I saw what she did and the woman has been nothing but nice to us yet mother is not always like this. What should we do?” Gretel took a deep breath and waited for Honey to reach the stove. She waited for Honey to reach inside and screamed. She rushed forward and pushed Honey inside the oven, locking it from the outside. Honey immediately caught fire and began screaming. “How dare you wretched children? I knew I should have gotten rid of you earlier!” The woman rushed into the kitchen and stared at them in shock. She went to approach Gretel at the oven but Hansel grabbed her. “She is a witch. We saw her lock the door and the window with magic.”

“But I thought she was your mother? Why will you not let me help her? Even if she is a witch?”

“She wants to get rid of us. I know it sounds cruel but I think she may be the reason you are cursed and the only way for us to survive is this,” Gretel said, tears filling her eyes as Honey’s screams continued. The woman reached out to the stove and went to unlatch it once more. “Even if this is the way out, even if she is a witch and has planned to get rid of you. This is not how it should be.” She opened the oven and Honey exited it, swishing her hand which extinguished the flames. The woman stood in front of the children and watched Honey curiously. “Are these claims true? Are you the one who cursed me? And did you send these children out to be rid of them?” Before Honey could answer, she flicked her hand once more and fixed her appearance and clothing.

Hans returned back to the fork and waited a while for his wife and hopefully children to turn up. After a while, he decided to follow the left path and discovered a clearing. He heard his wife scream from inside the gingerbread house and run to the door before he could knock it down he heard the voice of his wife. “How dare you wretched children? I knew I should have gotten rid of you earlier!” He was shocked. He froze in place and could only listen. He heard everything and reached out his hand for the door when the familiar voice of a woman asked “Are these claims true? Are you the one who cursed me? And did you send these children out to be rid of them?” He waited once more. When Honey replied, “of course this is true. You were my sister. Ginger, my dear. You married such a handsome man and I wanted him. I wiped your memory, sent you to this shack that I built and cursed you so you could not survive. Then for the children. I despised them, but Hans loved them I could not find a way to get rid of them without him looking. I could not risk altering his memory without losing him, I had already done this once with his memory of you. So when he left and with such a need for food. I found it poetic to send them out to the same place I thought I had killed you, their mother.”

“Fine. We may not be dead but why not leave. I am trapped here and the children can stay with me. Take the key. Leave the shack. Forget us. Say you couldn’t find the children.”

“I could always use my magic to fake their corpses. But what if they decide to leave on their own accord?”

“They will not. I give you my word and theirs.”

“I cannot have that.” Hans heard the threat and kicked down the front door. He saw a woman stood arm stretched in front of his children and Honey had rose in the air. The shock made Honey turn around. She placed her arm down at her side and run towards him. “Oh Hans, that woman refuses to give the children back. I do not know…”

“Stop! I heard everything. I heard you explain the truth.”

“She made me, with her magic. It was all a lie. It was…” Before Honey could finish her sentence, she felt a sharp pain hit her back and turned around to see Gretel holding a bloodied knife. The one she had given to them for their outing. She fell into Hans’ arms and coughed up blood. She waved her hand and tried to heal the wound but as it wouldn’t heal, she looked and saw the knife was glowing. Magic had been imbued into the blade. She would not survive. She laughed and Hans lay her down and holding her for a moment. “I do not know if my feelings were real for you but I will not let you die alone.” He held her body in a close embrace. She whispered, “I did it for you. Hans, I did it for you.” He held her for the last moments of her life. The woman, Ginger, held the children back and did not budge. As Honey took her last breath a wave of magic shot from her body and surrounded each one of them. They each fell to their knees. As they each took a moment and looked at each other, they each began to recognise Ginger and wept.

The morning rose and the storm had stopped. Hans and Hansel had stayed up to bury Honey’s body at the edge of the woods and the four of them had rested in the gingerbread house until morning. As Hans, Gretel and Hansel left the house Ginger held the key in her hand. She locked the door and the four walked into the forest to head back home.