little red riding mimi

Mimi cheerfully skipped along the worn dirt path, framed by orange and yellow flowers in the nearby grass. Tall trees with thick canopies blocked out a lot of sunlight, but it was so bright overhead, that any light that managed to filter in resulted in warm glowing patches on the forest floor. There was chirping overhead, as well as the assorted skittering noises of other woodland creatures. An oversized hood sagged over Mimi’s face, almost blocking their view. In their uncharacteristically sweat-free hand, they swung a basket back and forth merrily. The contents of it clinked together. It was bottles of crushed herbs from Mimi’s apothecary shop, padded by the thick linen red and white gingham that lined the wicker basket. 

Mimi wasn’t sure of the last time they remembered seeing such a thick grove of trees, such a monumental forest, if they had ever seen it at all. Maybe only in storybooks. And yet, despite the splendorous joy they felt, the beauty of the world around them, they felt nerves prickle them. Almost as if they were being watched, or perhaps that something unfortunate would be waiting for them, wherever their destination was. They weren’t entirely sure, but they were happy to let the path take them to wherever they were meant to be. 

In the distance, Mimi saw the cottage poking out of the thicket. It was warm and tasteful, and Mimi was sure they could smell the sweet aroma of baked goods wafting through the air through the open windows. Mimi slowed their pace, noticing that the painted red door was slightly cracked as they approached. They knocked weakly, peering inside with curiosity. “Hello?” they called out, entering and glancing around the eerily empty home. As they surveyed their surroundings, they noticed an untouched pile of sweet pasties sitting on an elegantly carved dark wood table. Mimi sneaked over to the table mischievously, grabbing a tiny pastry and stuffing it into their mouth before continuing to look around, once again calling out for anyone. 

“Oh, Mimi, darling, is that you?” the voice was deep and unfamiliar, not one that Mimi would have expected, and they had a feeling this wasn’t the person they were meant to be visiting at all. But they still felt compelled to follow the sound of the voice, to the bedroom door, which was partially open. “I’m in my room. I haven’t been feeling very well this morning.” 

When the door creaked open, Mimi was in awe at the sight. A strange, furred creature sat propped up in a bed that was surely meant for someone else. Strangest of all, it was dressed in clothes that most definitely did not belong to it, as it seemingly attempted to deceive Mimi, like it was simply meant to be here. This whole situation felt oddly nostalgic. Like Mimi had heard of this somewhere before. 

“I appreciate you bringing those herbs and such for me. These old joints don’t work as well as they used to,” the wolf sighed, whiskers drooping as it whimpered after moving the slightest bit. “I managed to get up and tend to the garden this morning, and make some fresh pastries for you. I hope you like them, buttercup,” the wolf enthused tiredly, leaning back into the bed. Mimi felt a little bad and approached, gently patting the head of the creature. The pastries were indeed pretty fantastic. 

“Sorry it took me so long to get here. But I can help remedy you now,” Mimi smiled, picking out some of the bottles and salve jars from their basket to help the wolf. Instead of feeling uneasy or nervous about what was to come, Mimi felt glad to be assisting the old wolf that seemed to be struggling with their age. They settled on a herb ointment to spread on the wolf’s joints, and Mimi pulled up a chair next to the bed, quickly going to get the tray of pastries to share with the wolf as they talked with one another until the wolf lapsed into a peaceful slumber. By the time that happened, the sun was setting outside, the golden light was filtering in through the open window, a cool breeze causing a chill to travel up Mimi’s spine. As pleasant as this was, they felt as if it was going to come to an abrupt end soon.. “Thank you, Wolf,” they whispered sweetly, a small smile on their face. 

// 

Mimi blearily awoke, sprawled out in their hammock, the sweet taste of scrumptious chocolate pastries still lingering in their mouth. They shifted on their side, looking out the window. Mimi pondered on their dream quietly, smiling to themselves. Nothing sinister had happened in the slightest. Mimi had just enjoyed some sweets with a nice old wolf, and they almost wished they could go back to sleep and resume the happy dream.