Week 4 Storytelling: The Unknown

Once upon a time, there was a little family living in among the woods. Through the creaking trees, snapping branches, and water trails the family was well hidden and secure. Their castle consisted of brown and rusted wood piled together to make shelter. It was built by the dad, Billy, who did almost everything for them to help them get by. Other members of the family included the mom, Molly, and the only child, Mike.

Mike was different... He was not like other children his own age. That's part of the reason their family moved to stay hidden in the woods. Mike was primarily a happy and brave young lad. Before hauling out to live in the woods, Mike went to school, played and learned as much as he could. One day, his parents discovered something peculiar after Mike left for school. Molly, his mom was cleaning his room and noticed ruffled under his bed, was a large red box. She assumed it was his special toys at first, but when she opened it, it was nothing she had anticipated.

Scattered in the box were well drawn out plans and papers written by Mike. They always knew he was a smart boy, but didn't realize his mental capacity was well beyond his age, and even theirs. They knew he was planning something big, but weren't quite sure how to handle the situation. Billy and Molly needed to appear neutral as to not scare off their son Mike. They wanted to know what he had planned. Mike seemed to show some signs of his grandfather, and Billy was willing to do whatever he could.

They eventually went searching for help at any place they thought might guide them in the right direction to help with their situation with Mike. After searching for what felt like a lifetime, Billy came across an only lady who sparked an interesting conversation. Billy stumbled upon her at a store and eventually the two got to talking. She said she could help, and for some reason their gut instinct trusted the wise words she delivered to them.

"Come to my place at the edge just before the woods right outside of town. Bring nothing but the boy and yourselves. Do not tell him anything other than you are just visiting an old friend." whispered the little old lady as she slid past Billy on her way down the spice isle.

As interesting as it seemed Billy replied, "I will do just that. This is our last resort to help our son not to let things get out of hand."

Billy and Molly told Mike they would be going on a little vacation and to pack some things. Mike was interested but seemed to have some questions.

"What do I need to bring?" said Mike.

"We have already packed your bag for you. Are you ready to go?" his mom yelled across the house.

Mike annoyingly replied, "I suppose so."

The three went on their way to the woods. They met with the old lady in the woods. Who had a lot of wise words to give to them. She asked about their family life and how things were with the boy. Mike seemed to think something was wrong, but trusted his family. The old lady asked if they wanted to see the rest of their property. Without hesitation, the family was interested because of its beauty. Also, how could they not trust a cute little old lady.

They went on their way and after crossing a creek, Billy, Molly, and Mike began to felt like something was wrong. They didn't know where they were or where they were going. It felt like they were on a never ending trail that just went around in circles. The old lady disappeared.

Suddenly, Mike's persona had changed. He became scared and let go of his brave persona. He realized what had happened and blamed his parents for not understanding what was to come.

The old lady came back when she heard Mike whimper. Out of the woods she appeared. She stated, "You have come to realize, my smart child. This is where you will be afraid. For your parents came to me because they feared you and what you had planned. You shall live the rest of your days out in the afraid of your own ability."

With that, the family was left to fend for themselves..



Bibliography:
Forty-four Turkish Fairy Tales by Ignacz Kunos, link to web source 


Author's Note: My idea for this story was from one of the Turkish fairy tales that were written by Ignacz Kunos. The fairy tales in his books were very different than ordinary tales. The story I got my idea from was about a boy looking for fear and eventually someone scaring him. Although it was a lot different, my story is also about a boy. However, the boy in my story does not posses fear. His parents are trying to figure out what is wrong. They eventually stumble upon an old lady who knows what she is doing. She traps the family into her woods where the boy is becomes scared and isn't able to process things like he usually is.