Ruby followed a blue butterfly off the path. She crouched low and reached out her fingers. The butterfly landed on a red mushroom, then flew away.
From behind a tree stepped a wolf. "Lost, little girl?" he asked, his tail wagging. "I'm visiting my grandmother," said Ruby.
Ruby took two steps, then stopped. "Mother said stay on the path." The wolf sighed. "The path is long. This way is shorter." He picked a strawberry and held it out.
Ruby reached for the strawberry. The wolf grinned, showing sharp teeth. "You're not going home," he growled. She dropped the berry and turned to run, but the wolf blocked her way.
A hunter burst from the trees, waving a stick. "Back off, wolf!" he shouted. The wolf yelped and ran.
Ruby's legs trembled as she stepped back onto the path. The hunter patted her head. "You're far from home," he said.
The hunter walked with her until they saw the cottage. Mother stood on the porch, calling her name.
Ruby ran and threw her arms around her mother. Mother held her tight and carried her inside.