The Cloak Stained by Crimson

    It was a task that needed to be done, a task only I could do.

    I donned the cloak you sewed for me. I packed the basket with your favorite dessert, Mom's sweet apple pie. I made sure Mom sprinkled extra cinnamon on top, just the way you liked it. I put on my boots and went out the door, and I made sure I packed everything before I went down the familiar path.

    "Over the river and through the woods..." I hummed to myself.

    I felt tempted to skip across town as the tune came into my head. However, the watching townspeople kept me from that childish habit. They all knew me and my familiar red cloak, something I never left home without. Most of the people don't know my real name, but I often respond to the call of "Little Red". They all noticed the basket I carried and knew where I was headed. They all called out to me and said, "Be sure to say hello for us, Little Red." I responded with a simple nod and waved good-bye as I reached the edge of town.

    I reached the stone bridge. I looked over it at the river and looked at my reflection. Oh, how I would always do this every time I went, ever since I went to see you with my Mom. Oh, how much I have grown since then.

    I walked up to the entrance of the woods. I could hear the birds and their familiar tones. I remembered thinking they were an orchestra just for me, a way for the birds to keep me company during the long walk.

    Soon, I came across that tree, the tree scarred with the marks of hunger. It was from that fiend that I met long ago, a beast tempted by my innocence. I swept my hand over the engraved hatred that he left behind, remembering the trials that I went through that day.

    Finally, I reached your house, that little cabin in the clearing. I walked up to you and took out the slice of apple pie Mom baked for you. I sat in front of you and placed the slice on a porcelain plate, before setting it in front of you. "Remember that day when that foolish wolf attacked us," I asked as I poured out some apple cider in a glass to drink, "I wonder if we would have been good friends if he wasn't consumed by his hunger." I turned my head to the grotesque skull next to your grave and petted it gently with my hand. Then, I raised my glass up high.

    "I will never forget the day this cloak of mine became dyed in your blood, oh foolish wolf."