Chapter 6

I looked between the bushes to see my grandmother and a few policemen looking for me. I then saw behind them a few of our friends and an uncle. They carried torch lights and sticks while the policemen had their guns with them.

My grandmother looked frantic, and the rest looked worried. I started crying softly, relieved and scared at the same time. The tears that fell down my face dried just as quickly.

I didn’t know what to do. I was afraid to show myself. Like the wolves, I was a dangerous animal and walked in circles. I breathed out smoke like a burning funnel.

I retraced my steps and hid between the thick branches of the tree. My heart ached to run to my grandmother, to tell her what had happened to me. That the evil sorcerer, White Rose, had cast her wicked curse on me.

“Grandma!” my heart screamed. I saw the frown on her face as she always did when something worried her.

I felt sorry for her and missed her very much. I wanted to run and hug her.

If only she knew I was nearby and until this curse is lifted, she would never know it was me.

The search party looked in vain even though I was close by, Then I heard one of the policemen say, “It’s going to be dark soon. We would have to call off the search party. We’ll come back in the morning.

My heart crumbled when I heard that. I couldn’t bear to see them going away and leaving me alone in the forest.

“I am here,” I wanted to shout to them. However, my voice would turn into a howl, and I was devastated at that moment.

I heard my grandmother repeat, “She must be here. I know she is not dead. I can feel that she is still alive. Please don’t give up looking for her. She must be lost in the forest.”

They saw the state of the garden. My grandmother started weeping again. She was shocked to see the white rose plant all crumbled and fallen to the ground.

The stench in the garden was nauseating, just like the smell of death.

She said, “Look, look! at the white rose bush that had enchanted her to venture into the forest. I warned her about going near it! I hope she is alright.”

My uncle took her hand in his and guided her out of the garden. “Let’s go,” he said sadly. “It will be dark soon. Let’s pray that our girl returns home safe and sound. We will come back to look for her again in the morning.”

I heard my grandmother sobbing loudly this time and felt my heart break into pieces. I saw them leaving the forest grounds and coming out of hiding. My hunched shoulders ached, and my tears fell once more. I howled like an injured wolf.

I stood looking at their receding backs and turned to walk back into the forest.

Growling and gnarling, I was furious to be trapped inside. My anger reverberated through the forest, causing the birds to flee in fear.

As darkness descended, the once vibrant and lively forest revealed its ominous side, with eerie sounds emanating from the surrounding bushes and trees.

I heard the stealthy movements of animals in search of prey, and I shivered.

Seeking refuge, I scrambled up a familiar tree, yearning for the break of dawn when I would see my grandmother again. The owls' haunting hoots filled the night, and their luminous eyes pierced the darkness. The air was freezing as bats swarmed, and an uncanny sensation swept over me. I felt hair sprouting on my arms and legs, reminiscent of wild creatures' fur.

I realized in the cold, my body responded by growing fur to keep me warm.