Red

You plucked me from my family and friends before I was ready to leave. But you were humming to yourself and you smiled when you looked at me. I thought perhaps that you really needed me, and so I forgave you. You were old then, though I see that you’ve gained back your youth.
You placed me with others of my kind who had arrived before me. Horror stories were told about you. I didn’t want to believe them. How could such a weak old woman be so cruel?
Oh, but you were cruel. I learned my lesson quickly. I still have fresh memories of the way that poison burned my skin, right down to my core. I screamed, though you never seemed to hear. The hot liquid coated every last bit of me, and when you were finished torturing me, I felt empty inside. You changed me into an instrument of death, to use against that poor girl who had done nothing other than been born beautiful.
Slinking to her doorstep while her protectors were away, you cackled to yourself. I wanted to stop you, but I was powerless. I reeled at the thought of being a tool of yours, but I was helpless to do otherwise. You presented me to her, as if I was some great gift, and I felt like a traitor because of you. What had she ever done to me, that I should abuse her so?
She was apprehensive at first. She did not understand why a stranger would leave her with gifts, for nothing in return. But your kindly old smile, how could she distrust that? She took me from you and raised me to her lips. Again I cursed my helpless form and wished there was some way to stop you.
But you had your way. My poison was soon delivered to the girl and she fell lifeless to the ground. My purpose served, I rolled away, part of my flesh missing. You cackled again, lightning cracked, and a youthful queen stood where the hag had once been. I wish it was you who had tasted the poison, and you who’d fallen, cold and breathless.
I watch from the sidelines now as you rant and rave about the beauty of the realm and the wicked child dead at your feet. But I can see it is you who are wicked, and there are those approaching who see it too. The prince and the little men are at the cabin now, and you are over taken. As the prince runs you through with his blade, I think there must be some justice in the world.
I am kicked aside by one of the little men, as they gather around to save the girl. In a dark corner, I can no longer see what’s happening. There are shouts, a brief silence, and then cries of joy. I hear a faint voice, that must be the girl. She is saved and all is well, though I’m beginning to yellow. I will probably rot in this corner, or be eaten by small creatures. But I think of you, wicked queen, and how what you’ve accomplished is now spoiled, much like me.



This was another exercise...we had to write something called a short-short which is a complete story in 500 words or less. It's challenging, but I like the simplicity of the idea. Its tough to put a character with a past, present, future and a desire in such a short space, but I think I did ok with this one.