One Path, Two Tales

By Melody Elizabeth

Once there was a little girl who skipped down a forest path on her way to her grandmother’s. The briars reached out to touch the beautiful flowers embroidered across her skirt, and she high-fived them with a cheery giggle as if they were playing a game. 

The mice and rats scurried across her path in chaotic movements, stopping and starting at random, so she very nearly tripped over their tiny bodies. She turned these stumbles into a dance, leaping and pirouetting her way down the path. 

After one dizzying spin that left her feeling wild and free, the sky cracked open and large rain drops splatted upon her head. Turing her face upwards, she delighted in the cool splashes.

At last she made it to her grandmother’s house, worn out by the fun she’d been having. 

“Dear child!” her Grandmother cried, “I was so worried! I thought you’d never make it!” She grabbed the little girl and buried her in a hug. 

Pulling back, the little girl looked up at her Grandma and asked, “Why?”

“Your brother’s been here for ages and he told me of the thorny briars and scurrying vermin. Then we heard the storm.”

“That didn’t happen to me!” The little girl protested. “I high-fived the briars, danced with the furry ones, and turned my face to the rain. I even got a drop right on the end of my nose!” She couldn't have been more delighted.

“I don’t know which path he took,” she said, jabbing a thumb at her brother, “but it wasn’t the same as mine.”