Page 6 of How To Survive This Fairytale

“The swans are your brothers,” you say.“You have to save them.”

With tears in her eyes, she nods.

“I had a sister I couldn’t save.You’re very brave.”

She reaches across the table and clutches your hand.Cognizant of all her sewing wounds, you offer her the gentlest squeeze you’re capable of.

“My name is Hans,” you say.“Everyone calls me Hansel.What should I call you?”

Setting aside the quill, she shakes her head.

So her name isn’t something she can draw.

“Can you act it out?”

Her brows knit.Then, with a roll of her eyes, she bares her teeth and holds up her hands, mimicking claws.After a few useless guesses at different animals, you realize she’s trying to soundlessly growl.“Grr… Ger…”Gretel?Your heart stops.You don’t want that to be your first guess, so you try a different name.“Gertrude?”

Gertrude’s smile opens across her whole face.

And that is how you become part of a family again.

6.

HONOR WHEN YOUR STORY HAS REACHED A QUIET PLACE.

IT WON’T LAST.

Catchingfrogs to feed the swans.

Skipping stones.

Watching the swans take to the air.

Marveling; they always come back.

* * *

Setting snares in the woods.

Harvesting berries.

Harvesting nuts.

Harvesting mushrooms.

Sinking your teeth into a glorious peach, only to feel horrified and let Gertrude finish it.

“You can eat this.I’m not as hungry as I thought I was.Really, you go ahead.”

Feeling relief when your belly whines.

* * *

Sitting with Gertrude while she sews.

Singing to comfort her as she bleeds.

Bandaging her hands when she gives up.