This is the story of a young girl, who lived with her father and her big brother. The girl’s name was Gretel and she loved her family. Gretel’s father was often busy at work so Hansel took care of her. One day her father said they were going to take a walk in the forest, the girl was very excited to spend time playing with Hansel. Hansel and Gretel decided to pack a lunch for the family to eat . They packed apples and some bread. The family had been walking for a long time and the sun was starting to set. Gretel was playing with some rocks when she heard her father say he was going to make a phone call and would be right back. The children waited and waited, until the sun had gone and the moon was high.

Gretel became tired and scared so she began to cry. Hansel trying to console her said “Don’t worry everything will be alright. Gretel grabbed Hansel’s hand and the children began walking. After what felt like forever the two came upon a small cabin. Gretel smelt baked sweets and food, her mouth began to water and her stomach growled. The two started walking towards the home. Hansel looked into the windows then quickly went to the door and gave three rapid knocks. A few moments later an old woman opened the door with a surprised look.

The old lady started to talk to Hansel and smiled at the two. She told them to come stay with her till their father came back. The old woman’s name was Ginger, she told the children they could call her Granny if they would like. That night Gretel and Hansel ate a feast of sweets and pot pies. Gretel liked this old lady, she was nice and smelt like cinnamon and spices. After all that food Gretel could feel herself getting sleepy. She curled up by her brother and with her head in his lap fell asleep. Gretel felt her brother carry her to bed and continued to sleep. Gretel was deep asleep when she stirred to the sound of voices. She kept her eyes closed, but heard Ginger saying something about not wanting the her and Hansel to get cold. The talking stopped and Gretel felt Hansel cover his sister and himself with the blanket, she then quickly fell back asleep.

Two weeks had passed, since Hansel and Gretel had moved in with Ginger. Gretel had quickly grown fond of the old woman. Hansel on the other hand kept his distance from the woman. By the third day Gretel had begun calling her Granny G. The children had also gained quite a bit of weight since their stay, Gretel now had full cheeks and meat on her bones. The little girl was very happy here, she barely thought of her father.

It was a beautiful spring day and Gretel was solving a puzzle with Granny G. They had just finished the puzzle when Hansel proposed that they all go outside for a picnic. Gretel didn’t want to go out, Granny G had promised they would make cookies this afternoon. But, after some coaxing Hansel had convinced Ginger and Gretel to go out with him. They began walking until they came to the very same clearing that Hansel and Gretel had been with their father. Gretel played for a few hours and after all that running around she had become sleepy. She made her way over to Ginger and laid down on her lap. Ginger suggested they all go home for the night, but Hansel told her he wanted to stay out for just a bit longer. Ginger smiled and nodded, and they stayed for some time longer. Gretel tired and slightly cranky said she wanted to go back. She heard Hansel sigh and they all began their walk back. They were a few feet away from the clearing when they heard a male voice.

Before Gretel could say anything she watched her brother run off. Gretel was very concerned at first, until she realized that voice she had heard was her fathers. Gretel looked up at Granny G, who had a face of bewilderment. Gretel tugged on Granny G’s skirt and said “I want to go back home”, Granny G made a sad face and said”Okay sweetheart, I’ll take you home”. Granny G began walking towards the path where Hansel had ran, and Gretel pulled on her and with a strained pleading voice said”NO! I want to go home with you!”, Granny G looked at the child and with tears in her eyes she nodded her head. Gretel held hands with Granny G as they walked back home to the cabin. They had just sat down when there was a knock at the door, and someone opened it.

Standing in the doorway was Hansel and behind him was Gretel’s father. Gretel continued to sit and watched as Ginger introduced herself to Hansel’s father. Ginger invited him to stay for supper. He agreed and sat down, Gretel sat next to Granny G and they began to eat. After they had eaten, Gretel’s father asked Ginger if they could talk, away from the children. Gretel paid this no mind and went to the fireplace and asked Hansel to read a book for her while they waited for their father to come back.

Gretel’s father came back from his talk with Ginger. Gretel stayed by the fire, she didn’t know why but she was worried. She could feel her tummy twisting in knots. She became even more uncomfortable when she heard Hansel ask their father “Are we going home now?”. Her face grew pale and she felt her heart sink. Her father sat the two children down and explained that Ginger loved them very much and wanted them stay with her. Gretel felt elated, she was beyond excited to live with Granny G! She was shocked when she heard Hansel say that he hated Ginger and that she was an evil old witch. Gretel became sad and upset by her brothers word. “I want to go home with you!”, the young boy begged his father. Hansel’s father looked at his son and after a deep sigh said “If you really think you’ll be happy living with me, then you can come home.” Gretel became even more shocked, she didn’t want her brother to leave! She watched has Hansel happily hugged his father, he then came over to Gretel and grinning told her they were going home. Gretel desperately said “I don’t want to go home, I want to stay with Granny, this is home now.”. Gretel noticed that Hansel’s face had a look of hurt and then he looked angry. “You have to come home! With me and father! That’s where you belong!”, Hansel stated in a defiant tone. Gretel only shook her head, and walked to Ginger and hugged her tightly. Gretel buried her face into Granny G’s skirt and started to cry. She heard her father softly tell Hansel they were leaving, after the door shut Gretel looked up at Granny G. Granny G gave her a soft smile while grabbing her hand and led her to the door. She opened the door and said “Let’s wave goodbye to your Dad and Hansel, don’t worry Hansel will come back again.”. Gretel waved to her brother as she watched him walk away.

That was the last time Gretel ever saw Hansel.