Once

Once upon a time... Yes, all stories start with these words if it's not "A long time ago". It's hard to be original if you like to share a tale and give it the bit extra only these words can but please, read on.

So... Not long ago or who knows it was long ago there was a couple and they wanted a child.

It wasn't a weird wish since humans just like animals and plants try to reproduce themselves. He blamed her because there was no one else to blame and she felt miserable and cried her eyes off.

In reality, the man didn't care that much. He loved his life and didn't feel the need to babysit. He didn't want any change. He already changed his mom for a wife and the food she made tasted different and she was way too slim to keep him warm during the cold nights. It was a good thing alcohol exists and the pub in the village was open the whole night. It was there where he spent his days and nights and most of their money.

While her husband had fun with his friends she walked through the woods to find some peace of mind.

At least... that was what she told herself. In reality, she was looking for a witch, godmother, an elf, or someone who could help her. She heard the stories about women who did get pregnant after all with some help of a good (w)omen.

"Lost, dear?"

She startled as she heard the voice behind her. It was more like a whisper but she could clearly hear it.

"A child", she said. There wasn't more to say.

"Never let a child play in the woods. Don't you know it's dangerous after sunset? Drunk men take the short cut and scare the animals away."

"It's not mine."

"You are looking for someone else's then?"

She didn't know what to answer. Did she?

"There are many lost children here... some are left behind. Hänsl and Gretl for example and Little Thumb and his siblings, the three Gobblers and Snow White..."

"Why are they left behind?"

"They had cruel parents, parents who did not care, thought raising a child is a piece of cake. Once they were out of money they choose their life above the life of their children. In hard times hard decisions are made."

"Can I have one of them?"

"Can you take care of a child?"

She thought hard and long. Could she?

"I am not sure but I can try", she said

"Trying is not enough. A child needs more. Their parents already gave it a try and we know how that worked out."

A bright light shone between the trees in front of her. She saw children playing and having fun.

They were surrounded by animals and looked glad.

They look happy, she thought, happier than I ever was.

"Who takes care of them?"

"Mother Nature does, like she takes care of everything."

Not of me, no one takes care of me.

She felt sad but knew the voice was right. Those children were happy and her home wasn't the right place for a child to be.

Was her walk through the forest useless?

It's try no one brought her the child she hoped for but she was aware know it wasn't the right time or place for her and Mother Nature knew best and did care about her.