Fairy Tale: The Wolf Mentor of Little Red Riding Hood

“Little Red Riding Hood, the world… it wasn’t meant to be like this. It’s just that the clouds are too thick, blocking out the sunlight.” “Wolf, what is a true fairy tale supposed to look like?” “A fairy tale…” A girl and a wolf set off from the forest under the night sky. Their gazes pierced through the haze, only to see a world… already beyond salvation. Hunters indulged their bloodlust; the wicked laughed with glee. Beneath the candy house lay piles of buried bones. Towns collapsed; a giant’s mouth dripped crimson. The statue of God wept tears of blood, while witches and demons plotted over desolate graves. Rebels bore curses, straining to scream, yet the darkness surged like a tide, swallowing their songs… “Let all evildoers receive the punishment and retribution they deserve.” “Let all who are kind no longer weep, but smile instead—that is what a fairy tale should be.” In the wolf’s hand, a golden fairy tale book materialized out of thin air—darkness receded, and faint light emerged. From charred ashes and scorched earth sprouted fresh green buds. Bloodstained swords and spears gave rise to vibrant blossoms. At dawn, vines climbed skyward, as food rained down from the heavens. All creatures sang in harmony, lovers embraced… “Wolf, how can we change all of this? How can we bring light… back to the world?” “Move forward with a guiding flame.” “To where?” “To the end of the long night, where we shall awaken… the dawn that has slumbered for so long.” The girl looked up at the night sky, where the clouds dispersed, revealing a radiant full moon. “Wolf, will you stay by my side forever?” “Of course. This is the story of Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf—we are inseparable.” The girl wrapped her arms around the wolf’s neck and kissed him lightly on the forehead. “Thank you, dear wolf!”