There was once a sweet and happy girl named Ruby who lived in a calm village next to a lush green forest. But most people just called her Little Red because she liked the bright red hooded robe her grandma made for her. It was soft, comfortable, and made her feel like she could take anything the world threw at her. It seemed like Grandma was hugging her every time she wore it.
The birds outside chirped a little louder on a beautiful morning, and the wind brought the wonderful smell of spring flowers. Little Red saw her mother making a little wicker basket and carefully spreading a cloth over it while she helped her mother wash the morning dishes.
There were warm muffins, a small jar of golden honey, and a pouch of dried rose-hip tea, which Grandma loved.
Her mother tucked the corners of the towel in and whispered, “Your grandmother’s not feeling well.” “Will you bring this to her?” She’ll be happy to see you.
Little Red’s eyes brightened up. “Of course!”
Her mum smiled at her, then bent down so they could see each other. “Stay on the path, my love. Don’t go into the woods. And no matter how friendly someone looks, don’t chat to strangers. Promise?
“I promise,” Little Red stated in a strong, sure voice.
She felt pleased as she stepped outdoors with the basket swinging softly by her side and her crimson cloak blowing behind her like a flag. This wasn’t just a delivery; it was a chance to do something nice.
A Distraction in the Woods
The forest welcomed her with soft light and the beautiful sound of birds singing. The air made the leaves whisper as the sunbeams danced between the tall trees. Little Red strolled softly down the path, humming to herself. Her basket was snugly tucked into the crook of her elbow.
She thought about how Grandma would smile when she saw the muffins, how they would sip tea and laugh, and maybe—just maybe—Grandma would tell one of her old, amazing stories.
Then, from behind a crooked oak tree, a silky voice broke into her thoughts.
A grey wolf with fur that looked like shadows and eyes that shone like polished stones said, “Good morning, young lady.” He cautiously moved out of the thicket, head down and smile big.
Little Red stopped moving. Her heart skipped a beat.
He seemed nice. His voice sounded soothing, like someone telling a story to a child. But nevertheless…
She thought about what her mother had said.
She said gently, “I’m not supposed to talk to strangers,” and took a slight step back.
The wolf gasped and tilted his head in a dramatic way. “Oh my God! I didn’t mean to scare you. I was simply admiring how gorgeous your crimson cloak is. It looks well on you.
Little Red didn’t say anything.
The wolf tried again. “Are you going somewhere special?”
She said, “I’m going to see my grandmother,” but she was still careful. She isn’t feeling good.
The wolf’s grin got bigger. “You’re such a sweet granddaughter.” And your grandmother must be really lucky. He looked over at a nearby clearing and said, “You know, there’s a patch of wildflowers over there.” Daisies, violets, and even some bluebells that bloom early. Wouldn’t they make her feel better?
Little Red glanced at the clearing that was lit up by the sun. The flowers were very pretty.
She thought about it. “Mom told me to stay on the path…”
“Of course, of course,” the wolf responded. “But a few flowers wouldn’t hurt, would they? You don’t think that a little kindness makes the world a better place?
That made sense. Didn’t it matter to be kind? Grandma liked flowers. It might help her feel better quickly.
“Just a few,” she said quietly to herself. “I’ll be quick.”
The wolf lowered his head and disappeared into the trees as she went off the trail and into the tall grass. His footsteps were silent on the forest floor.
Problems at Grandma’s Cottage
Grandma’s cottage was a small, cosy dwelling at the edge of the woods. Ivy grew about the windows, and the chimney sent out soft, wispy smoke. The wolf got there in no time.
He knocked softly. A weak voice from inside said, “Come in!”
When Grandma saw the wolf come in, she gasped. Her heart raced in fear, but before she could scream, the wolf ran across the room.
“Now, now,” he replied gently, lifting his hands. “Don’t yell. “I won’t hurt you.”
Then, in one fast gesture, he opened the wardrobe door softly but firmly and led Grandma inside, closing it tightly behind her. He laughed and said, “Just until the show is over.” “I promise you’ll get a front-row seat.”
He put on one of her handmade shawls, put her cap on his head, and pulled the blanket up to his nose. Then he sat down and waited.
A Feeling of Discomfort
Little Red came soon after, her arms full with wildflowers and her face bright with pleasure. The basket swung at her side, and her cloak flew behind her like a red flag.
“Grandma? It’s me! She knocked on the door and called. “I brought muffins and tea!”
“Come in, dear,” came the answer, in a voice that was a bit too high and shaky.
Little Red went inside. The room was dark. The fire was low and the drapes were closed. It felt… strange.
She carefully stepped forward. “Grandma?”
The person in bed moved around under the covers. “Right here, sweetheart.”
Little Red stared.
There was a problem. The face of her grandmother seemed strange—longer, sharper, and darker.
She said gently, “Grandma, you have such big eyes.”
“The better to see you with, my dear,” the wolf said, pulling the blanket tighter.
“And what big ears you have…”
“To hear you better.”
Little Red’s eyes got smaller.
“And… what big teeth you have,” she said in a low voice.
“The better to EAT you with!” the wolf yelled as he threw off the covers and jumped out of bed.
A Close Call
The door crashed open before Little Red could even scream.
A tall woodsman stood in the doorway, axe in hand and eyes blazing. He had been walking by and heard some weird voices. Now, with just one look, he knew everything.
“Get away from her!” he yelled.
The wolf stopped in the middle of its lunge. He didn’t expect anyone to be there.
He yelled in a panic and dove through the open window. He crashed onto the brush below and disappeared into the trees.
Little Red stood still, her breath coming in quick rushes.
“Are you hurt?” the woodsman said softly as he walked towards her.
“I—I’m fine,” she said. She was breathing hard and her hands were still holding the now-wrinkled bunch of wildflowers.
Then they heard it: a knock that was hard to hear. A little thump.
Little Red raced to the closet and opened the door wide.
“Grandma!”
Her grandma came out of the room, blinking in the low light, and wrapped her arms around her in a loving, tight hug.
“Oh, my brave girl,” she exclaimed, her eyes full of sorrow. “You were so smart to see that something was wrong.”
Muffins and Lessons
Later, the three of them sat down at the kitchen table. The fire roared happily again, and they held steaming mugs of hot tea in their hands. The muffins were a little squashed, but no one cared.
“I’m so sorry,” Little Red whispered in a sad voice, looking down. “I thought I was being nice by picking flowers and doing something extra.” But I should have kept on the course.
“It’s nice to want to be nice,” Grandma remarked softly, moving a strand of hair off of her granddaughter’s face. “But being nice without being smart can occasionally get us into trouble. You followed your heart, but you didn’t listen to your gut.
The woodsman nodded. “It’s acceptable to mess up. What important is what we take away from them. And today, you were quite bold. You noticed something was wrong and didn’t ignore it. That matters.
Little Red raised her head. “I didn’t feel brave. I was afraid.
“Being brave doesn’t mean not being scared,” Grandma added as she held her hand. “It’s what you do even when you’re scared.”
A Cloak and a Decision
Little crimson rose up and wrapped her crimson cloak around her shoulders as the sun went down and the shadows grew long on the floor.
She thought about it as she gazed down.
It had always made her feel strong, but now it made her think of something deeper.
Bravery didn’t mean running into danger. It wasn’t about being nice or even courteous. It was about paying attention—to others and to herself—and making good decisions, even when it was challenging.
Little Red stayed on the trail from then on.
She still wore her crimson cloak with pride, not because it made her feel courageous, but because it brought back memories of the day she learnt what real bravery looked like.
The End.
