Sangeetha Kamath

                           CHAPTER 7                    HOPPER THE HARE  The forest was a merry jamboree, its heartbeat pulsing through the drowsy autumn air. Pale sunbeams filtered through the tree tops casting scattered pools of gold dimes among the underbrush.  Hopper, the Hare bounded along a mossy path, his big, curious eyes scanning the earth for edible treasures on the way. He jostled through a curtain of ferns, and there it was in the sun-drenched clearing–Wild rhubarb rising through the cluster of foliage, its ruby-red stalks tiny lanterns in the shade. He set to work, snipping the best ones, the tart scent of the juice filling the air. Hopper’s nose twitched with excitement – rhubarb season was the best! He sniffed out another patch, plucked a bunch of them and loaded his wheelbarrow. Next, he spotted a cluster of juicy mushrooms, their caps velvet...

                          CHAPTER 6            LIBRARY OF CRYPTIC CLUES  The morning sun tiptoed into the cottage, casting a warm glow on Goldwynn's sleepy face. She stretched, the blankets tangling around her like a cozy cocoon. The sunflower yellow couch seemed to smile, its plush pillows supporting her languid stretch. "It's morning," she muttered, rubbing her eyes. The clock chimed cheerfully announcing the new day. Goldwynn swung her legs off the couch, her feet finding the soft rug. A sniff drew her to the kitchen – yesterday's dinner leftovers were still appetizing. She opened the fridge, the cold air wafting out a savory greeting. Apple pie leftovers beckoned, but she opted for something heartier. The wooden counter creaked as she leaned against it, popping a slice of yesterday's herb bread into the toaster. As the toast crisped, she poked around the pantry, finding a jar of blueb...

                             CHAPTER 5       VEILED NIGHT AT THE COTTAGE  As the moon rose high above the elms, Goldwynn surrendered to the woods' mystery. Ravenous, she gave up waiting for the Bears to arrive and scavenged the kitchen. She helped herself to a medley of goodies – jars of sugared plums, pickled berries, and a chunk of savoury herb bread.  The pantry was a treasure trove, but her stomach grumbled for something more filling. She slathered a generous amount of homemade butter on the Herb bread and took hungry bites of it. The crust crackled even as and the softness melted in her mouth. "Oh my, this bread is amazing!' She tore off a chunk of bread and dipped it into the bowl of homemade walnut butter. The rhubarb tarts in the oven had cooled by now and the apple pie on the window ledge was tempting to the bone. These would do for a fine dessert. She fetched it inside and ...

CHAPTER 4 EGAD! SHAMBLES IN THE BRAMBLES  The cottage hummed a lullaby of sleep and sweetness... yet Goldwynn's skin pricked. Where were the Bears? The porridge pot on the dining table had gone cold and a knitted scarf draped the back of Papa Koala's chair like a fluffy question mark.  But a faint tantalizing aroma of rhubarb tarts in the oven, mingled with the scent of truss'd herbs from the rafters still hung in the air. The house was left behind in a hurry not too long ago. Goldwynn followed the scent and padded into the kitchen, her curiosity spiking by the minute. Copper pots and pans hung like spotlights, a wooden spoon dunked in a bowl of whipped cream, and more cookie crumbs mapped a trail to the pantry door which was left ajar.  As she peeked in, shelves of jars filled with pickles, dried mushrooms, and jewel-toned preserves stared back at her. A torn label on a jar of "Bears' Special Blend" fluttered pleadingly at her. Pushing open another door outsi...

                          CHAPTER 3               MEADOW BROOK COTTAGE  Goldwynn rested her palm lightly on the door and it opened a crack ! “Hello! Anyone? Hello, Bears! Lost in the woods. Can I rest here a bit before I'm on my way?” The silence was a heavy veil in the cottage. Perplexed, Goldwynn entered with trepidation.  Perhaps the Bears were out collecting honey and berries… Meadow Brook cottage slumbered amidst the trees, its sturdy interior brick walls holding a gentle patchwork of pinks, blues, and yellows, like a basket of meadow flowers left to dream in the sun.  The air was gently perfumed with woodsy potpourri while the fireplace sighed a tired wisp from the cherry wood logs.  The Bears were here a while ago…they might return soon.... Goldwynn made her way inside.Winsome furniture crouched on the floorboards facing the fireplace. A sunflower yellow couch ...

                                                     CHAPTER 2                BRAMBLESHIRE WOODS The trees were steeples piercing the skies, their gossamer branches blurred high against the dwindling light The creepers that entwined them pulsed like the dying embers of a bonfire.  Dense mists brimming with cedar and sun-bleached pine, swirled around their trunks and veiled the forest floor in billowy waves. The odor of decaying leaves and the damp moss made Goldwynn’s senses reel.  Disheveled, she scrambled to her feet, her heart racing like the devil.  The Locke mansion was nowhere to be seen! The cavern had spat her out like a bitter aftertaste. Her ears strained to hear some sign of life.  “ Where... am I? Where is the Locke Mansion”. Her voice shredded the hush.  There was only s...