Red knows a trap when she hears one. She also knows that the short path passes the clearing where they hanged the last wolf. She takes the long way.

The wolf pulls back the blanket. Not to devour. To show the ribs beneath, the hollow chest. Not Grandmother’s body. Her own. The wolf has been wearing Grandmother like a coat for three days.

Red asks.

Red should be afraid. Should pick up the axe. Should burn the cottage and walk back to the village where the baker’s son has been leaving rosemary at her door.