GOLDILOCKS AND THE BEARS

Goldilocks walked briskly in the sun-caked alley of the little known hamlet of an indigenous tribe in Arizona.Her footsteps spoke of authority and urgency. A team of armed men followed close behind her. 

The village folk had gathered a distance away from the Bears’ house. They parted to make way and shuffled anxiously, clenching their palms…almost pleading with the team to get them out of this ordeal.

"How many people are inside?", Goldilocks' demeanor was calm but her mind was racing.

"Madam, there's a family of three. The Bears. Parents and a child of five. A stranger with a menacing look is holding them hostage. Never seen him in these parts."

"Okay, let me handle this", Goldilocks reassured them.

She rapped on the intricately designed door. Baby Bear let out a loud cry at this sudden intrusion of noise in an environment which was already volatile.

Mr.and Mrs. Bear hurriedly shushed their child, their worst fears gripping them. Baby Bear was in anguish trying desperately to quieten but heavy sobs came out in rasps and whimpers.

Goldilocks didn't waste a moment. "Officer Goldilocks here! I heard you have some demands. I'm here to make the deal. Are you listening? "

Footsteps shuffled inside and inched closer. "There's no bargaining. Get me what I want or else I'm going to horrendously execute these people one by one without any mercy."

Outside, everyone's blood ran cold and there was a chaos of voices. "You can't let this happen, Madam…Give them what they want."

The captor’s voice rang out in a smirk, "These illiterates are wiser than you, Goldilocks ! Listen to them."

Goldilocks signalled to her team. It did look like there was only one person holding hostage. It wouldn't take long to disarm him. They had handled many operations like these successfully. The only catch was that they didn't know what weaponry or ammunition he possessed.

Goldilocks took a chance. " You're bluffing! Execute, you say? How? Do you have the guts to do that? Are you going to blow them up or shoot them down? "

"I will blow them up…or shoot them down whatever takes my fancy!” A maniacal laughter chilled everyone to the bone.”No more talking. I have laid down my demands and off you go to get it right away.”

A vile shot rang out with the sound of glass breaking and wood splintering.

The village folk were in total shambles.The torment on the Bear family was harrowing. Mrs. Bear pleaded with the captor and in return received a cracking slap across her face giving her a swollen cheek and blood oozing fast from a deep, ugly bruise. 

Mr. Bear helpless and on the edge decided it was wise to lay low and give in rather than further spark the captor's rage. He signaled to his wife reassuring her, even though he had lost hopes to come out of this alive.

Goldilocks knew she had to act swiftly. The snipers were already on the terrace of the opposite house. She had to bring this villain in their line of vision. With a quick sign, she pointed to the window and threw a large pebble at the grill. Startled at this, and logic fleeing him that it could be a ploy, the captor rushed to the source of the sound.

Taking aim expertly, it was a split second when the snipers had a view of him through the window.

Even as he realized that he was tricked, a single shot blew his brains out! 

The Bears rushed out of the house into the arms of their tribe, safe and alive although hysterical and drained. They thanked Goldilocks profusely, showering her with praises and bowing down to her as was their custom of reverence. 

That night, a feast was held in her honor and on the table was a spread of soups, fruits, homemade breads and…bowls of fragrant porridge which was…just right! 

©️ Sangeetha Kamath 

Pic Courtesy: Image by Angela Yuriko Smith from Pixabay