Following the burial of her spouse, the cruel stepmother abandoned her silent stepdaughter in the murky depths of the woodland bog to perish.

 

 

From a tender age, Mary adored stories of enchantment. Initially, her mom would recite tales from volumes, but soon she mastered reading independently, and each instance filled Mary with conviction that genuine magic would unfold in her existence. Yet, as fate would have it, wishes do materialize, though hers morphed into a horrifying ordeal.

To begin with, her mother passed away. The injustice of it all baffled Mary’s youthful mind completely. How could this be? No mother anymore? All the other kids had theirs, but not her? Even oddball Charles possessed one, even fanciful Lauren, despite her mom lacking youth or attractiveness.

Back then, Mary refused to accept that her mother would never step through the door again, never prepare a tasty morning meal, or engage in joyful tussles on the bed with pillows flying. To her, it appeared as if those around her were acting out a charade, concealing the obvious truth: since her mom hadn’t truly perished, she must have been bewitched by a malevolent sorceress and plunged into an enchanted slumber. When she begged her father to rouse her mother, he wept.

Then, after a year, a different lady entered their home. “Meet Aunt Emily,” her father clarified. “She’ll become your new mother.”

“Absolutely not,” Mary retorted, retreating from the grinning woman. “I don’t want a replacement mother.”

“You certainly do.”

Her father seized her and drew her nearer. “Emily excels with youngsters; she’s an educator. I’m confident you’ll grow close.”

“Never,” Mary asserted. “She needs to depart.” And for the initial time ever, her father struck her across the face.

It wasn’t painful physically, but the emotional sting was immense. Mary secluded herself in her chamber all day, sobbing. When starvation compelled her to emerge, Aunt Emily declared she’d receive nourishment only if she addressed her as mom.

That night, the weeping child retired to bed without eating. Against her hopes, her dad didn’t expel the wicked enchantress, and before long, she assumed full control of the household. Thus, events unfolded precisely like in a narrative featuring a harsh stepmother and a unfortunate stepchild.

This included the part where her father fell ill. He endured prolonged suffering; the disease eroded him internally, and it terrified 12-year-old Mary to witness him so wasted, colorless, with those four needles jutting from his arm. “My end is near,” her father stated one day, in a straightforward and unemotional manner.

He believed he could cope, that existence without her was feasible, but it proved impossible. “Pardon me, Emily; evidently, I’m devoted to one woman alone. Carry on with life, I implore you, Mary, remain strong.”

“What nonsense, darling? Naturally, I won’t abandon you.” The recent spouse clasped his hand, yet Mary somehow sensed it was deceitful. Subsequently, her father departed this world, and it emerged that he had bequeathed all his wealth to his daughter.

Aunt Emily assumed the role of her custodian. At the outset, she siphoned from the girl’s resources cautiously. Then, sensing total freedom from consequences, she indulged extravagantly.

Less than six months passed before the widow secured a fresh spouse, youthful and audacious, boasting the build of a gym instructor. Mary barricaded herself in her room more frequently to avoid witnessing or hearing their interactions. Alternatively, she roamed the streets aimlessly.

She excelled academically; her instructors voiced no grievances. She attired herself tidily, yet she never joined school excursions. Most assumed she was simply extremely reserved, and no one pestered her with inquiries.

But the actual cause differed: Mary possessed no funds, not even for minor expenses. Requesting a substantial amount for a journey from her stepmother was unthinkable. Mary bore it all and anticipated the moment she could assert her inheritance and escape the dwelling that no longer felt like home.

Conditions deteriorated further when her stepmother concluded that her youthful husband devoted excessive notice to the 12-year-old stepchild. She monitored them relentlessly, instigated disputes. And one occasion, losing restraint, she assaulted Mary with a scorching skillet.

The youngster shielded herself using her arm, resulting in a scorched imprint. An already miserable existence transformed into utter torment. Mary would eternally recall the instance when the furious stepmother seized her and suspended her over the balcony edge, vowing to hurl her from the seventh level.

Gazing into the deranged gaze of the lunatic, Mary shrieked repeatedly until her stepmother’s spouse dashed out and subdued her. Mary panted, grasping her neck, but oddly, only raspy noises escaped. She was unaware yet that her speech had vanished entirely.

That night, curled beneath the blankets, Mary eavesdropped on fragments of dialogue through the partition. “What did you do?” Her husband bellowed at her. “She’ll surely report to the authorities and reveal everything now.”

“You’ve truly botched it. Calm down, fool. Bid farewell to the luxurious existence funded by that child’s cash and greet incarceration.”

“How dim-witted must one be to err so gravely?” “She won’t report,” the stepmother abruptly proclaimed. “I’ll manage it.”

“What more are you scheming?” The evidently terrified man exclaimed.

“Recall, I won’t partake in such deeds.” “I realize, since you’re spineless,” the stepmother retorted icily.

“I’ll transport her to the rural area to my grandmother’s, ostensibly for fresh breezes and recuperation. It’s isolated, and various individuals might appear there. Moreover, a profound stream is close; mishaps occur.”

“I wasn’t aware of that,” the man responded. Mary ceased listening onward; her ears buzzed, her pulse raced furiously. What action to take? Approach the police in this state, voiceless? She couldn’t articulate the events.

She might jot it on paper, but her stepmother would merely refute it, claiming no observers existed. A young child couldn’t concoct sufficient to ensnare a respectable lady. Thus, she’d convey her to the remote spot and eliminate her.

A choice was necessary. Come morning, her stepmother commanded Mary to prepare. Her voice remained absent, preventing cries for aid.

Aunt Emily stowed her belongings in a large sack, incorporating her papers. With every ticking second, Mary’s dread intensified. I’ll flee during the journey, she resolved internally.

Her stepmother navigated her beyond the urban limits, traversing utterly unknown territories. Mary had never visited this region previously, and habitations were scarce en route. The pavement had transitioned to a gravel path long ago, then vanished amid thick foliage.

Trees enveloped her from every direction, as though scrutinizing who ventured to disrupt their serenity. Mary urgently required a restroom break, and she endeavored to signal this to her stepmother via unclear noises. Initially, her stepmother disregarded her, but then, comprehending that the bothersome child could soil her vehicle seats, she halted and yanked Mary out forcefully.

“Proceed then. What’s the delay? No one’s present.” She gestured toward the roadway itself, but Mary, shaking her head, indicated the dense undergrowth.

“Oh, such modesty,” the stepmother sneered mockingly. “Very well, venture into the foliage if you insist on exposing yourself. I’ll remain by the vehicle.”

“Make it quick.” Mary, verifying that her stepmother had positioned herself on the path, maneuvered into the shrubbery. This is my opportunity, a frantic idea surged in her thoughts.

She then dashed with maximum velocity into the woodland’s interior, navigating through limbs and bushes akin to a pursued stag. “You wretched brat!” Her stepmother shouted while chasing. But it was tardy, and Mary secured a modest advantage.

Moreover, terror fueled her pace, and she sprinted, sprinted, sprinted. Her stepmother’s calls diminished, lingering in the rear, and then she exhausted her energy, tumbling forward onto the plush moss. This proved her salvation…

Miraculously, she had dashed into the bog’s core without submerging in the mire, leaping across solid patches that floated atop. A timber dislodged during her rush had sunk, and by the moment the panting aunt arrived, the marsh had engulfed her with a resounding slurp. Her stepmother examined the sequence of imprints from the escapee, then eyed the site where an object had vanished.

“She didn’t submerge. That’s your path, you pest.” She expectorated onto the turf, grimacing in fury, and retreated toward the automobile.

Mary missed her utterances. She had fainted. She regained awareness to discover herself mysteriously damp.

The youngster parted her eyelids and almost yelped in terror. The elevation she reclined upon was gradually descending into the marsh. Mary stiffened, terrified to shift and accelerate the process.

During lessons, she learned to clutch a branch or utilize a pole if trapped in a bog. Yet neither was available. I believe death awaits me now, she pondered with an odd tranquility.

Preferable that over perishing by her vicious stepmother’s actions. Nonetheless, she resisted surrendering, so she tried to inch away. Regrettably, she promptly sank further into the sludge.

Mary whined, flailing and coating her palms in viscous dirt. Abruptly, a silhouette materialized across the bog, advancing toward her. Two amber orbs shimmered afar.

A wolf crossed the girl’s thoughts. She grew so petrified that she halted her arm movements and braced for drowning. But the furry figure, progressing deliberately and respiring audibly, drew near.

Maybe it’s a canine instead? Mary speculated. She lacked time for reflection, and she latched onto the beast’s pelt. Her unforeseen rescuer yipped and extracted her, wriggling under her hold.

Detecting the bog yielding, Mary embraced the entity’s neck and commenced extracting herself from the filth. Both gasped, but Mary’s deliverer snarled and nipped her hand, not severely, yet sufficiently for her to sense its fangs. Somehow, Mary intuited its intent and trailed it, meticulously replicating its path.

Periodically, the animal glanced rearward as if verifying her presence. The traversal of the bog appeared endless, and Mary scarcely believed it when she seized a limb and hoisted herself onto solid ground. She reclined supine and sealed her eyes.

It appeared she fainted once more, since she reopened her eyes solely when sensing a coarse tongue on her face. The entity lingered nearby, panting intensely. It truly mimicked a wolf, though Mary had viewed them only in enclosures or illustrations.

Now he’ll consume me, Mary contemplated with peculiar detachment. Such profound sorrow overwhelmed her that she lacked any urge to survive or stir. Yet, she elevated her head and stared into the entity’s gaze.

She had encountered somewhere that creatures detest direct human eye contact. Evidently, this one ignored that rule, as it stared directly at her, nearly accusingly. Then it pivoted and loped into the undergrowth, peeking back.

Initially, Mary failed to grasp its desire, and she even harbored a spark of optimism. Perhaps it was satiated, or she seemed unappealing. If so, there existed a possibility the entity would depart, allowing her to rise and retreat.

But where to proceed? She queried herself. I don’t recognize the route to the roadway. I’ll become utterly disoriented, and then I’ll likely meet a less selective being who will assuredly devour me.

Meanwhile, the entity, observing the girl’s immobility, emitted a frustrated snarl and returned. Mary recoiled. When it seized her drenched jacket’s hem and tugged, she advanced, signaling comprehension.

What does it matter, she reasoned. I’ll accompany it. Perhaps it genuinely knows a path to humans, and it’s not guiding me to its den for later consumption.

Her uncertainties dissipated when, after thirty minutes of relentless pushing through branches, they emerged in a glade amid the woods. A modest cabin stood there, merely missing twisted limbs on its roof, Mary mused. Nonetheless, her affection for enchanted tales emerged, even amid these dire circumstances.

The entity neared the abode and produced a gravelly noise akin to a growl. It quieted for a moment, and Mary considered fleeing. “Is it you, woodland guardian?” A voice issued from the cabin.

“Are you famished, roamer?” The entrance flung wide, disclosing a colossal man who, to the alarmed girl, resembled a woodland warden or hunter. Her ideas swirled chaotically like startled rodents, but now she dreaded even a single step. What purpose would it serve? Ultimately, either he or the other would overtake her.

“Who did you escort here?” The man inquired in confusion, appraising the shivering Mary. “Extracted her from the bog?” The woodland guardian uttered an affirming growl and whined, as though conveying, “I’m chilled too. Don’t you notice?” “Who are you?” the man questioned as he loomed above Mary.

He exceeded six feet in stature, and Mary could regard him only by craning her neck. She gestured toward her mouth and negated with her head. “Mute as well,” the man vocalized.

“Where did you originate?” Mary erupted in sobs. After all, she had endured ample traumas that day. “No point in drenching everything; you’re already saturated,” the man groused.

“Enter the cabin. My garment is on the seat; remove your damp attire and don it. While you switch to dry garb, I’ll attend to this furry fellow.”

Mary, trembling, stepped into the compact cabin. Within, warmth prevailed, scented with botanicals. She discarded her sodden clothes and located a cozy shirt.

She enveloped herself in it like a gown, fastened every button, and ascended the seat barefoot. She secured the entrance, and the man reentered, eyeing the heap of moist tatters that were formerly her apparel. “Fetch the insulated boots from the heater, and cease quivering; I don’t consume tiny ones like you.”

In the cabin, a compact yet efficient heater existed. When Mary inspected it, she uncovered a set of warm insulated boots. She slipped them on and experienced delightful heat.

Glimpsing through the pane, she observed the man drying the savior entity’s coat with a fabric. Then he placed items in a container and offered it to the entity. Mary trusted it wasn’t broth from another misplaced youngster.

Oddly, after warming, her fear subsided. Evidently, her terror threshold was met, and apathy supplanted it. Well, what more could transpire? Would the man prove a lunatic or assailant? Then she’d address it, but presently, hunger gnawed at her fiercely.

After deliberation, Mary neared the table and spotted a periodical with a puzzle grid beside it, plus a writing tool. Clearly, the solitary dweller maintained ties to society, given his interest in current events. But the writing tool delighted her most.

She inscribed on the periodical’s edge, “I’m called Mary. My voice vanished due to my stepmother; she attempted my murder.” Upon reflection, Mary appended, “I’m extremely famished.”

Carrying the periodical, the girl ventured outdoors. Both the man and the entity pivoted at the squeaking entrance. “What do you possess there?” The man examined the periodical, perused her notes, and emitted a surprised whistle.

“Leshy, behold this; it’s an entire suspense tale. You’re not fabricating, are you?” He posed this to Mary. She negated with her head…

“Well, what say you, Leshy? Ought we trust her?” The man addressed the entity. The entity produced a brief noise, as if validating the account. “You’ve endured quite the ordeal,” the man murmured, scrutinizing the girl.

Mary bowed her head, aware she resembled a total fright in the oversized garment and mismatched boots. “Fine, foremost, we must nourish you. How about a wash as in legends?” The man smirked.

As if recollecting, he supplemented, “Thus, you’re Mary, correct?” The girl affirmed. “You’ve met Leshy already,” the man proceeded. Upon hearing his title, the entity growled.

“And why weren’t you terrified of him? You likely mistook him for a wolf, yes?” Mary affirmed once more. “He is a wolf,” the man chortled. “I saved him as a pup from a snare, and now we coexist like inseparable companions.”

“Refer to me as Kevin. I’m essentially the woodland overseer hereabouts.” Mary affirmed and uttered, “Pleased to encounter you.”

Kevin supplemented sustenance to Leshy’s container and gestured at Mary. “Come along; I’ll provide what providence offers. The broth ought to remain heated.”

With a relieved grin, the girl trailed him into the cabin. After searching near the heater, Kevin retrieved a metal vessel, ladled the stew into two sizable dishes, included utensils, and some bread portions. “Consume,” he indicated Mary’s dish.

“Fret not; it’s hare stew. We avoid devouring young girls; my digestion rejects it.” And he laughed, apparently amused by his wit.

Mary, pausing, grinned too and grasped the utensil. The stew proved extraordinarily tasty, or her hunger rendered her capable of devouring the whole vessel. As she relished it, she covertly studied Kevin’s features.

He’s not elderly, she mused. Not grandfatherly, nearer to a father’s years. Reflections on her father welled tears in her eyes, and she faltered.

“Hey, none of that in here.” The dwelling’s proprietor elevated his tone. “I can’t abide such feminine commotion.”

Alarmed by his irritation, Mary ceased weeping and resumed eating quietly. Her tears evaporated naturally. What sort of fiend would injure a youngster? Kevin pondered.

“And why didn’t your father intercede?” Mary lifted her gaze to him, exhaled, and negated, crossing her arms over her chest. “What? No mother or father.” The woodland overseer exclaimed.

“Oh, you unfortunate soul. But don’t fear me. I possess a daughter your age, if… Well, disregard that.”

He dismissed with a gesture and focused on his repast. Mary consumed every morsel, swabbed her dish with bread crust, and regarded Kevin, inquiring what followed. “What follows?” He interpreted her correctly.

“You’ll bathe now. The tub is external; heated water is in the kettle. I’ll prepare all for you; exercise caution.”

Mary folded the shirt cuff to expose a scorched mark. “Who inflicted this?” Kevin inhaled sharply. “Your stepmother?” Mary affirmed.

Kevin’s expression shadowed. He muttered indistinctly, and Mary discerned only one term: “resolved.” “Proceed to cleanse.”

“Leshy will monitor you,” the woodland overseer commanded. Supplied with a pail of hot water, a cloth, cleanser, and oversized shorts secured by Kevin’s elastic to fit her, Mary proceeded to the bathing area. There she encountered a basin and a cask of collected rain.

As she bathed, it felt like she was purging not merely grime, but also the anxieties and strains of recent years. Leshy’s head emerged from the structure’s side, and it appeared the wolf grinned. With poise, he neared and reclined, safeguarding her during her wash.

Mary cleansed thoroughly, then dried, attired, and settled beside her protector. She caressed his arid coat and whispered appreciations, convinced that presently, in Kevin’s abode, she was more secure than ever in her former residence. “How fare you? Completed your aquatic rituals?” Kevin inquired from the edge.

In lieu of Mary, Leshy replied; elevating his head, he emitted an affirming bellow. The forester, confirming his unexpected visitor was clothed and had salvaged her apparel from the damp mound, extended and suspended them to dry, grunted, and positioned himself somewhat distant. “What to do with you, eh?” He queried, less to Mary than himself.

“Any relatives?” The girl negated. “That’s unfortunate,” the man contemplated. “Properly, we should return you to the metropolis and initiate legal action against your stepmother.”

Mary regarded him with alarmed eyes. “I simply lack faith in our supremely equitable judiciary,” Kevin shrugged. “It might worsen.”

“Additionally, during investigations, they’d lodge you in a facility; no need for oracles. And it’s unpleasant there. What remains?” Mary awaited his verdict anxiously.

“I can’t retain you here,” Kevin persisted. “It’s improper for a young miss to reside with an aged hermit. It’s unsuitable, and I’m accustomed to solitude.”

Mary’s lips quivered. She anticipated Kevin would declare the facility optimal for her. “But, but, we concurred against moisture.”

The forester scowled, and Leshy raised his head reproachfully. “It was stated we’d devise a solution.” He evidently lacked experience with foundlings.

Leshy reclined on the turf, viewing with evident sarcasm as his companion, dispatching Mary into the cabin, circled, grumbling inwardly, murmuring partially audibly. “Is this akin to ‘the carefree lady acquired a swine’?” Kevin pondered, speaking to Leshy. “Can’t evict her, unaware where to dispatch her.”

“Where’s law enforcement? And who trusts them? The legislation, what a farce. It’s unsuitable for the girl to linger here, and I’m no nanny. One option persists.”

He illuminated upon deciding. “I’ll escort you to Granny Karen. She’s a herbal healer.”

“Perhaps she can restore your speech. And cease eyeing me thus.” He hollered at Leshy, though Leshy stayed mute.

“I recognize her disposition isn’t simplest, but she’s female at least. Well, nominally.” Leshy perked one ear and veiled his snout with a paw.

It looked like he chortled. “Proceed, mock me.” Kevin menaced with his digit.

“Incidentally, this falls on you since you retrieved the girl from the bog.” Leshy gazed reproachfully, as if querying, “Why not abandon the child there?” “Fine, cease that stare. Thus, it’s resolved; to Karen’s we go.”

Mary perched on a seat, surveying the cabin’s insides. Though, what insides? A heater, seat, table, trunk, uncurtained pane. On walls, herb garlands dangled, plus assorted implements for chores; that summed it.

Evidently, the proprietor dwelt solo. He’ll expel me, assuredly. Or return me to my aunt, Mary lamented internally.

Such notions chilled her, and she bundled tightly in her garment. For unknown reasons, she had utterly ceased fearing this rugged-appearing man. She perceived that individuals like him would never injure her.

Her father had been similar: robust, valiant, and compassionate. Mary buried her face in her crossed arms on the table and sobbed aloud. The girl missed when Kevin entered and seated beside her, tenderly patting her back with his wide palm…

“Don’t weep, small one. Existence is thus that tears avail naught. I’ve pondered,” he proceeded.

Mary quieted, attending his words. “Fond of enchanted tales?” The forester inquired, and she detected a grin in his tone. Mary elevated her head and affirmed.

“Then you’re familiar with Baba Yaga, yes?” Mary’s eyes expanded, but she affirmed again. “I have an acquaintance nearby, in a hamlet not distant. Though, she’s the sole remnant of that hamlet’s inhabitants.”

“Her title is Granny Karen. Not for age, though she’s elderly, but from esteem. She’s a potent herbalist.”

“Folks journey from afar to her. She’s rather spirited. She aids some gratis and rejects others despite riches.”

“I’m certain she can remedy your silence.” Mary listened, breathless. It truly resembled an enchanted tale.

Yet, venturing to some crone was daunting. What if she proved as malevolent as her stepmother? She had acclimated somewhat to Kevin. “Unless she’ll visit you,” Kevin continued.

“She once mended me too, and I believed recovery impossible. Now, I assist her: repair her abode, maintain her grounds. Neighbors, essentially.”

“Consent, Mary. There’s potential you’ll vocalize anew.” Mary affirmed tentatively.

“That’s fixed,” Kevin declared. “Remain here. Here’s a puzzle grid to solve, and I’ll assemble offerings for Karen.”

“We can’t arrive empty-handed seeking aid. Plus, your attire will dry.” He departed, leaving her with reflections.

Mary couldn’t remain idle. The unknown future alarmed her. She scanned and located a sweeper, then commenced floor cleaning.

Subsequently, lacking better ideas, she polished the pane with fabric and dusted. Ultimately, she reclined on the seat and dozed. “Fatigued, housekeeper?” Kevin’s voice roused her.

Mary unsealed her eyes and shyly grinned at him. He appeared less intimidating now. Her stepmother, despite facades, had revealed as a true sorceress.

But this massive man residing in woods with his domesticated wolf had inflicted no harm. He had nourished her and vowed to aid her restoration. “Observe the tidiness you’ve established.”

Kevin surveyed. “Gratitude. Don’t take offense.”

“I can’t permit you to stay. It’s improper. And what sort of guardian am I, you understand?” Mary affirmed hesitantly.

He spoke correctly, but she had suffered much terror, and now uncertainty loomed. “Don’t wander mentally,” Kevin urged. “I’ve collected offerings.”

“If rested, time to depart.” Mary exhaled. Leshy peeked through the ajar entrance, emitting a noise like supportive quiet, as if assuring, “We’ll endure.”

“Here, carry this sack of offerings.” Kevin proffered a braided bag brimming with fruits. “Karen favors sweets.”

“It won’t harm to flatter her slightly.” He had stowed miscellany in a pack, evidently also for the enigmatic Granny Karen. Then he clasped Mary’s hand, and jointly, with Leshy, they embarked along the trail.

Mary observed curiously. Now, with towering, sturdy Kevin beside and loyal Leshy adjacent, existence seemed less grim. Moreover, blueberry shrubs lined the trail’s sides.

Soon, she was smeared in fruit liquid, and each time Kevin, looming above, glanced down, he’d chortle, concealing a grin in his whiskers. Yet, when the woods abruptly terminated and they reached a line of decrepit dwellings, the girl grew fearful and clutched Kevin’s wide hand firmer. “You vowed bravery, remember?” Kevin grinned reassuringly, and Mary, inhaling deeply, erectened and attempted to halt her shakes.

Granny Karen resided in the remotest dwelling, nearest the woods. However, as Mary later discovered, it was the lone occupied structure. The others’ proprietors were absent; some relocated, some eternally in the burial ground.

The hamlet and its inhabitant would have faded into oblivion without the healer’s renown, which extended far. “Granny Karen, admit us!” Kevin bellowed, forming a horn with his palms. Internally, Mary sensed her heart constrict, and she sought to conceal behind her rescuer’s broad frame.

Meanwhile, the entrance groaned, and Baba Yaga emerged into view, or so Mary envisioned her; clad in a lengthy skirt and frayed wrap, despite summertime warmth. Mary shuddered and began retracting her hand, but Kevin gripped steadfastly.

“Is it you, Kevin?” the crone queried in a grating tone. “Indeed, who else?” Kevin verified. Leshy uttered a concise throat clear, seemingly his bark variant.

“And who’s accompanying?” Baba Karen shielded her brow as if blocking glare. Mary felt as though this odd figure pierced her essence. “Discovered her in the timberlands,” Kevin shrugged.

“She lacks speech; merely wrote that her stepmother deserted her in the forest.” “She’s truthful,” Granny Karen decreed. “I detect falsehoods from afar, but this youngster has truly suffered misfortune.”

“What do you seek from me?” “Kindly, mend the girl,” Kevin beseeched, positioning the quaking Mary before him. “She’s not innately silent; it’s from terror. Can you assist?” “Possibly,” Karen maintained her stare on the ashen girl.

Now Mary envisioned what would transpire when Kevin departed into the woods, leaving them solo with the crone. “Competing with dread is challenging; she’s terrified of me presently. Are you frightened, say?” She addressed Mary…

Mary, pondering, affirmed. “Observe,” Grandma Karen shrugged. “Nothing will result.”

“Let physicians attend her. The child requires dispatch to the metropolis, to a fine clinic.” “We can’t dispatch her to the metropolis,” Kevin negated, shaking his head.

“They’d probably consign her to an orphanage, or her stepmother would reclaim her eventually. She might injure the child.” “Perhaps not,” Karen narrowed her eyes, “if appropriate overseers monitor.”

“You maintain contacts there, correct?” Mary sensed Kevin tense abruptly. “We won’t broach that,” he uttered subdued, yet compelling Grandma Karen to abandon her jesting manner. “Will you shelter the girl, or must I return her to the forest?” Grandma paused, then compressed her lips.

“You’re foolish, Kevin. Well, your affair. Even I wouldn’t mend her.”

She ultimately stated, “Fine, I’ll attempt what possible; leave the girl.” Mary quivered, and Kevin exhaled relief. “Thanks; may fortune favor you,” he expressed warmly.

“I fetched forest offerings; savor them.” Grandma Karen’s eyes sparkled, but her demeanor stayed stern. “Deposit the offerings in the storage,” she directed.

“And you, child, approach me,” she uttered surprisingly softly to the girl. “Proceed, proceed; I don’t consume youngsters, and my dentition has weakened.” Mary sensed she might have winked, though distance obscured it.

Kevin propelled her toward the veranda and trailed Grandma indoors. The girl wavered, lingering by the veranda. Should I flee to the forest? The impish notion recurred.

Then she felt Leshy prod her with his muzzle, as if prompting obedience. Mary pivoted and regarded the creature. It whined, attempting tail wags, and appeared to grin.

Interpreting it as a positive omen, Mary, inhaling deeply, ascended the groaning stairs to the veranda and unsealed the entrance. Inside, it was captivating. She couldn’t summon another descriptor instantly because her gaze darted everywhere.

And there was abundant to behold, as this residence housed the most peculiar items. For instance, a traditional brewer and a portable computer, herb clusters on walls, and myriad vials resembling those from her science lessons. Upon noting the girl’s stunned look, Kevin and Grandma Karen erupted in mirth.

“That’s me, a contemporary Baba Yaga,” the crone declared boastfully, overseeing her workspace. “Don’t assess me by woodland dwelling. I selected it to evade commotion and near nature.”

“Karen earned her advanced degree in botanicals, and multiple,” Kevin supplemented. “Folks travel nationwide for her guidance and remedies. She restored me once.”

“She restored you physically, but not mentally,” Grandma Karen griped. Kevin attempted response, but she terminated the exchange.

“And since you reject advice, our dialogue is concise. Leave the girl and depart. We’ll resolve sans you.”

Kevin chortled again, winked at Mary, as if conveying, “See her toughness,” and readied to exit. Seating beside the girl, he wiped her unintended tears and stated, “Fear not. Heed Grandma Karen.”

“She’ll safeguard you. Leshy and I will visit shortly; you’ll witness. By then, you’ll vocalize.”

Nonetheless, the girl blanched, left solo with Grandma Karen. The elder scrutinized her intently, then neared and embraced her shoulders firmly. “I perceive life has burdened you, eroding trust in others.”

“Similar to Kevin upon our initial woodland encounter. He arrived to perish, among reasons. I mended his form, but not his spirit.”

“Now, viewing you, I ponder, perhaps this is your destiny.” Mary gaped at the elder, perplexed. “Fine, let’s convene for tea.”

“We’ll utilize these fruits. Fond of fruits?” Mary affirmed instinctively, and Karen chuckled eyeing the girl’s stained lips and palms. “Evident.”

“Check that cabinet,” Grandma Karen prompted Mary. Mary extended, opened, and inhaled.

There resided a full assortment of exquisitely lovely china cups, fragile and clear. “Fetch them. They’re for usage, not mere display,” Grandma Karen encouraged.

Yet, Mary managed the cups delicately with dual fingers, dreading harm to such marvels. However, the brew tasted vastly superior in them, particularly with mashed fruits. It carried summer’s essence in a vessel.

With each swallow, the girl sensed her respiration easing, fears and concerns receding. Mary glanced at the elder opposite. She grinned.

“So, the tea? Enchanted, eh?” Grandma Karen queried. Mary affirmed and shyly grinned back. “Aware of vital water?” Grandma Karen pursued the relaxed dialogue.

“Well, it’s here. It aids not all, only the virtuous and compassionate, and those eager to mend themselves. Prepared?” Mary affirmed again.

She favored this storybook grandma, though initially Baba Yaga-esque. “Excellent,” Grandma Karen endorsed. “We’ll conclude tea, tidy utensils, then commence expelling your affliction.”

Mary appeared slightly cautious. She wondered the method of affliction expulsion. Yet, after contemplation, she resolved against fear.

It couldn’t surpass cohabiting with her stepmother. After table clearance and utensil washing in a spacious basin, they proceeded along a meadow trail. Mary strode with Grandma Karen, marveling at wild botanicals and blooms…

With Karen’s approving nod, she crafted a lovely garland for herself and donned it. “You appear lovely.” Her companion praised, and Mary felt uplifted.

Perhaps all will resolve, like in enchantment. Presently, she yearned to trust that. The trail reached a stream adorned with lilies.

Clouds glided in the transparent depths to the bed. Mary couldn’t resist staring, feeling equally buoyant and liberated. Grandma Karen first discarded her top and skirt, exposing a basic shift-like attire.

She aligned her posture and didn’t seem as ancient as Mary initially perceived. Somewhat bashful, Mary also disrobed and tested the water with toes. Chilly.

“Brr,” Mary voiced. “Courage, child, or the stream may decline to remove the malady.”

Grandma Karen stated firmly from rear. Mary advanced a step, another, and abruptly submerged headfirst. She thrashed arms, parted lips in mute yell, and a gravelly, shrill “a-a-a-a” escaped her neck.

Grandma Karen, mere paces away, gathered water handfuls and doused the girl while whispering incantations. “With avian water, may Mary shed all woes.” It resonated to the scared girl.

Then her dread vanished instantly. Her breath stabilized, and she located footing. It required just one additional step.

“Attempt utterance,” Grandma Karen insisted. “Vocalize.” “A-a-a,” the girl intoned melodically.

Her neck resisted, but now she was assured speech would return soon. “Splendid!” Grandma Karen commended. “The stream welcomed you and consented to aid.”

“We’ll visit daily. You’ll observe; all improves.” Mary affirmed.

She resisted leaving the water. She frolicked near the bank. Here, Grandma Karen hurled her the garland.

“Offer it to the stream in gratitude for mending.” Mary caressed the blooms and softly propelled the garland into the flow, where current bore it afar. The stream accepted the tribute and conveyed it distant with clouds.

She observed smiling. Presently, she felt wonderful, and the world gleamed in fresh hues, not solely bleak and harsh. On the bank, her flesh prickled, and she shivered slightly while inventive Grandma Karen swathed her in a vast plush cloth.

The return trail was far merrier. Mary bounded ahead, plucking grasses, acting like an exuberant pup. Grandma Karen grinned watching the girl, seeming younger herself.

Back in the dwelling, Mary suddenly sensed hunger. She eyed Grandma Karen, serenely reading on the bed. Mary mumbled to attract notice.

Yet, the elder, perhaps auditory impaired or absorbed, didn’t pivot. Mary neared, tapped her abdomen, and emitted more faint noises. “Don’t mumble; use words,” Grandma Karen replied sans glancing from her tome.

Mary experienced profound unfairness. How to use words? She was clueless. “Not so keen, evidently,” Grandma Karen noted calmly, observing her bewilderment.

Mary stiffened. Noises churned in her neck, but resisted exit. She visualized them as spheres, requiring an unseen prod to ascend her neck.

She mentally selected three spheres and propelled them. “I am.” She uttered unexpectedly.

Grandma Karen set her tome aside, swung legs from the bed, and patted Mary’s head. “Excellent,” she approved. “All will succeed; merely endeavor.”

“But now, eating time. Fetch a container; to the rear yard. Chickens there; gather eggs, and we’ll sear them with cured meat.”

“Oh, delectable.” Still dazed from the occurrence, Mary exited to the yard. As Grandma Karen said, vibrant hens and a vivid rooster resided.

Disregarding his dissenting clucks, the girl amassed five eggs and returned victoriously. “Splendid.” Grandma Karen grinned.

Soon, the dwelling brimmed with tantalizing scents of frying meat. The eggs proved extraordinarily tasty. Mary scoured plate remnants and sealed eyes contentedly, like a sated feline.

Yet, Grandma Karen didn’t mirror her elation. She appeared to heed an inner voice, then neared the entrance, opened it, and scarcely evaded. Leshy surged indoors.

The wolf whined, circling the space, glancing at the entrance, as if summoning pursuit. Mary, horrified, spotted blood on Leshy’s coat. “Kevin’s in trouble.”

Grandma Karen exclaimed. “Seems he encountered illicit hunters. Remain here.”

“I’ll summon aid. Stay.” Yet, Mary ignored the elder’s cries behind…

Trailing Leshy who bolted from the house, she dashed the identical trail Kevin used to deliver her. Leshy glanced back en route, verifying her follow. Mary ran with throbbing heart.

Leshy guided to a glade and wailed. Mary, pulse racing, spied a man prone in grass. She hastened to him, knelt, and attempted to rotate him.

Briefly, she thought Kevin ceased breathing. His disguised trousers were blood-drenched, and she soiled herself. She persisted shaking him, hoping vitality remained.

Leshy whimpered adjacent, nudging the man with muzzle. When Mary despaired of reviving Kevin, a raspy noise burst from her neck. “Bye-bye.”

And ensuing the initial wonder, a subsequent arose. Kevin groaned and rotated, regarding the girl astonished. “Mary, you? How arrived?” He articulated laboriously.

“Dad.” Mary sobbed, eyeing the stained turf. Kevin endeavored to rise, failed, and grimaced.

“They struck me, villains. Regional illicit hunters; threats persisted. Well, now buckshot riddles both limbs.”

Kevin tried limb movement, but failed. “Mary, knife in my pouch. Attempt trouser cutting and binding.”

The girl steadied, tears subsiding naturally. Kevin aided unfolding the blade, and Mary labored. The durable material resisted, but she prevailed.

She gasped viewing Kevin’s limbs below knees. She gazed up at him with expanded eyes, wherein the man discerned dire straits. “Don’t despair, child.”

“We’ve survived graver.” He bolstered either Mary or himself. The girl jolted at the term.

Kevin prevented her renewed tears. “Slice fabric into lengthy bands and bind firmly,” he requested. “I’ll attempt crawling.”

“In these timbers, not solely the woodland guardian prowls, but other creatures too. And bipedal ones are far riskier.” Heeding the injured’s counsel, Mary wrapped his limbs tightly, bleeding halted, and both sighed relief.

With Mary’s aid, rolling prone, Kevin tried crawling. It progressed slowly, but functioned. When fatigued, they paused, and Mary wiped perspiration from his brow.

The woodland guardian licked Kevin’s pallid face with extended tongue and whined. “We’ll succeed; I sense it,” Kevin murmured and crawled doggedly. It felt like hours elapsed, though Mary couldn’t gauge precisely.

Time lost significance, then his vigor waned, and he fainted. Mary leaped up, circling the glade haphazardly, then a barrier shattered in her neck, and a yell resounded through the woods, “A-A-A-A.” She screamed and beseeched for wonder, and another wonder transpired.

The woods filled with branch snaps. A lofty woman erupted into the glade, rushed to Kevin, seated beside, and swiftly unpacked a medical box. Trailing her came a burly, silver-haired man in identical disguise as Kevin.

“Brian, transport him to the abode swiftly,” the woman commanded. Glancing at Mary, she queried, “Dash to the abode; we require heated water, abundant.”

“Recall the route?” Adjacent, the woodland guardian materialized, and Mary trailed him, trusting, as she noted the colossus lifting Kevin. Grandma Karen exited the woodland abode to greet her. How did she arrive? Mary pondered.

Yet, she spotted a vehicle behind the structure. Can this eccentric elder operate it? “Assist!” Grandma commanded, peering woodland-ward. They boiled water and readied wrappings and fibers when the entrance burst, and colossal Brian, scarcely fitting, bore the groaning Kevin indoors.

The woman trailed, and only now Mary noted her beauty. Truly an enchanted vision. Kevin was positioned on the table, and both females bustled around him.

“Depart; we’ll obstruct.” Brian’s large palm rested on the girl’s shoulder. Complying, she exited to the yard and there permitted tears.

She wept, emitting disjointed sounds, and Brian silently caressed her back, stating, “Fret not for Kevin, dear; he’s endured worse. He preserved my existence twice, and others’. So, chance to reciprocate.”

“We’ll apprehend and penalize those rogues. Assured.” Mary gradually soothed, her narrow shoulders quaked less.

Grandma Karen emerged from the abode, hugged the girl, and spoke tenderly. “You’re errant, Brian. Not us; she preserved his life today.”

“I’ve told Kevin he’d gain a daughter, and it materialized.” “Has he awoken?” Brian inquired. Mary sensed they concealed something.

“Curious about Rebecca?” Grandma Karen chortled. “She won’t depart his side. He’s dormant, but they’ll converse eventually.”

“Kevin’s obstinate.” Brian negated. “Can’t pardon Rebecca after years.”

“Foolish since,” Grandma Karen responded serenely. “His mother refused sharing her son with a spouse. She informed the girl of abortion, and he trusted.”

“He avoided home. He enlisted. And she, wretched, miscarried then.”..

“No blame hers; certain. And without enlistment, I couldn’t save him.” Brian exhaled.

“That’s how it unfolded. Destiny.” “Destiny.”

Grandma Karen concurred and suddenly brightened like a sunny morn. “Did destiny prompt your haste to aid a comrade on first summons?” “Appears so.” Brian affirmed.

“I was instructing. Mobilized a chopper, and arrived. They were astonished.”

And he guffawed loudly, startling Mary. “You’ll return and face discipline for defiance.” His wry companion remarked.

In reply, Brian elevated a brow and stated, “Well, well. Where to locate another expert my caliber?” “That’s how Rebecca succumbed to him initially,” Grandma Karen noted. “Kevin was fortunate.”

“He was.” Brian concurred and eyed the elder. “Think fortune awaits me?” “Again with that.”

Grandma Karen exclaimed. “Brian, I’m aged, and you persist proposing. You’re eight years junior.”

“You’re handsome; secure a youthful one.” “No, Karen, youthful unnecessary.” Brian shook his silver head.

“I require a beloved.” “Oh, why commence this before a child?” Grandma Karen gasped, and Mary, astonished, saw her eyes gleam youthfully. The entrance parted, and pallid Rebecca approached them.

“Awake?” Grandma Karen queried, scanning her features. “Yes,” Rebecca answered with scarcely moving lips. “He expelled me,” and she veiled her face with palms.

“Fine.” Karen rose determinedly, tossing to Brian, “Guard the girls, and I’ll clarify the obstinate one’s mind. I won’t permit him wrecking lives, his and the females’.”

Brian embraced the sobbing Rebecca, and Mary, pondering, approached rearward, hugging and pressing her body, consoling the distressed woman. “Quiet and heed.” A voice issued from the abode, and all startled.

“We didn’t retrieve you from beyond to destroy lives for yourself and that girl.” They missed Kevin’s reply, but something shattered indoors. Then only vague talk, and thirty minutes later, a pleased Grandma Karen reemerged.

“Rebecca, enter the abode. Converse.” She commanded unyieldingly.

Rebecca, gazing helplessly at Mary, entered. Grandma occupied her spot and winked at the girl. “Fret not; they’ll resolve.”

“They share more now than initially. So, agreement certain.” While Brian, to soothe and occupy, split timber behind the abode, the elder and girl sat intimately, awaiting.

Then Grandma affirmed. “Fine, we may enter.” She preceded and halted in the threshold, obstructing.

Then she cleared throat and commented playfully. “Ample time for affection. Lifetime ahead.”

“But now, tea ideal.” The flushed Rebecca distanced from Kevin, now on bed, busied with table setting. Naught recalled the recent surgical use.

Kevin reclined calmly. He bore a deeply reflective expression, but his gaze tender as he observed Rebecca. When she gingerly offered tea, Mary noted Kevin’s hand stroking Rebecca’s.

“Initial aid done; now hospital,” Grandma Karen stated unyieldingly. “Fine, I’ll manage.” Brian declared joyfully.

But she negated. “They can proceed now, especially deciding the girl’s fate.” “We’ve decided.”

Kevin eyed Mary and grinned. “You didn’t term me dad in the woods idly, did you? Won’t forsake me helpless and wounded?” Mary negated and uttered laboriously, “No.”

Grandma Karen eyed Rebecca and smirked. “Well, Rebecca, your view? Seems we’ll employ official role once. You’re child welfare delegate, yes?” Rebecca affirmed and regarded Kevin challengingly.

“Yes, still. And I know handling child harmers.” “Settled,” Karen assumed control…

Evidently, commanding suited her. “Rebecca, load our injured into the vehicle; take the girl, resolve with custodian. If she ignores reason, we’ll intervene with the lads.”

Brian chortled, glancing at the directive lady. “Unnecessary, but appreciative,” Rebecca answered. She kept eyes on Kevin, embracing Mary.

“Once set, hospital still needed.” Karen continued. “Brian, return.”

“Else, they may deploy forces for the valiant leader.” “Forces unnecessary,” Brian mused. “Yet, unfinished matters here.”

And he glanced meaningfully at Grandma Karen. “Don’t contemplate.” She exclaimed, gesturing.

“You’re no avenger. Police matter; abstain.” “Come now, lady.”

Brian stated, his dense silver brows nearly converging. “They wounded my comrade, thus me. Think I’ll complain to police? Stated; I’ll manage personally.”

Surprisingly, Grandma Karen quieted. “Time to depart.” Rebecca eyed Mary and queried, “Accompanying us?” The girl affirmed, then mustered and said, “Yes.”

“I said treatment would aid.” Kevin grinned. “And don’t overdo.”

Grandma Karen seemed regaining her former irritability. “It’ll mend pre-wedding.” “Their or ours?” Brian inserted, and Mary marveled seeing the notable healer blush.

Deciding adults needed preparation, and she owned only her garb, she hastened to embrace Leshy. The wolf licked her face roughly, as comprehending imminent parting. “Leshy,” the girl strained to say.

“Fine, dear. You’ll converse with us all yet.” Grandma Karen grinned.

Then they traversed rural paths, then highways, with Kevin’s head on Mary’s lap. She caressed his locks, imploring heavenward. You’re mightiest, wisest, and hold my true parents.

Spare Kevin for me; don’t claim him. I’ll be utterly obedient. I’ll assist with Rebecca and all.

Just heal him. Evidently, the child’s entreaty reached. Kevin mended swiftly, despite blood loss.

But fortune favored; aid timely. During hospitalization, Brian tended him, and Mary resided with Rebecca. Rebecca managed matters, so considerate of the girl’s mind that she avoided encountering the despised stepmother.

Mary learned incidentally that the youthful man fled the evil aunt, who returned sans girl and gave murky account. He sought dissolution. Evidently, conscience remnants lingered, unlike Aunt Emily, who refuted until shown Mary’s recorded tale.

Rebecca ensured maximal penalty. No direct proof of life attempt, but law struck her vulnerability: finances, levying substantial penalty. Guardianship impossible, so Rebecca leveraged connections for adoption candidacy…

With superb support, her plea succeeded. When Kevin discharged, he and Rebecca filed for union. By then, Mary, no longer naive, discerned from talks that Kevin and Rebecca eternally loved.

Solely Kevin’s mother’s meddling severed the fated pair. Then, life punished her harshly when her son, devastated by supposed betrayal, believing child elimination, enlisted and vanished post-mission. The woman found no solace and ailed gravely.

Grandma Karen, younger yet equally acerbic, attempted restoration. Truth emerged, but belated. The mother perished sans reuniting or atonement.

Years later, pieces aligned. Rebecca and Kevin visited the girl’s parental graves post his awakening. Meanwhile, they installed a memorial.

Even photographic visages animated, regarding the girl. “I adore you,” Mary murmured, positioning blooms carefully. “And eternally will.”

“Fret not; now Kevin and Rebecca accompany me. You won’t object if I term them mom and dad? And now Grandma Karen and Grandpa Brian too. They wed, but quarreled greatly.”

“Grandpa desired her relocation, but she declined forest departure. So, he relocated to her. Helicopter transports him to duties.”

“That’s proper, else who for Leshy? We’ll visit soon; don’t long. I’ll frequent and recount all. Oh, unaware.”

“I was utterly silent, but now fine.” Mom and Dad grinned at daughter from image. Mary elevated eyes to sky, sun, clouds.

She perpetually trusted joyful conclusions in enchantments, and apparently her personal enchantment concluded joyfully, or rather, initiated her extended, joyful existence.