Apparently There Were Fables

Continuing through history in my literature studies, I am now in the Medieval Ages and apparently in that time period there were fables. So I wrote one. It's called "The Fable of the Fox". Enjoy. Or not. It's entirely up to you. It's not that good, I'm just proud that I finished it. 

The Fable of the Fox

There was once a forest. Well, there still is a forest, but something once happened in the forest. So I should have said “Once in a forest”. That’s what I mean. Anyway, there is a forest, and in the forest lived a family of wild chickens and their name so happened to be Wilde. Trust me it is a coincidence, I didn’t make it up to be funny, this is the way it actually happened.

In this family there were three, Father, Mother, and Daughter. Father and Mother were oh so proud of their only chickadee and wanted nothing but to give her the best. But since the Wilde family didn’t have much, all that chickadee’s parents could give her was their sage advice such as; “Don’t ever talk to anyone who starts a conversation by going ‘spt! Hey you!’ and “Never count your humans before they’re birthed.”

Chickadee loved her parents, but didn’t see the importance of her parents’ advice and would often ignore it. “I mean really!” she would say, “I’ve gathered food out in the rain many a time but not once have I caught death.” But her parents kept on in hopes that she would take even a little bit of their wisdom to heart. 

Now this forest was home to many an animal. There were several families of chickens, Mourning doves, and even a family of mice. It was a wonderfully diverse neighborhood and everyone loved one another… except for one. Deeper in the forest there lived a Fox and every now and again he liked to cause trouble. He had been the culprit of many robberies and several deaths.

It had been many years since anyone had seen or heard anything of the fox and that only made the residence of the forest more and more nervous. For they knew that that meant he had something sinister up his sleeve.  All of her life, Chickadee’s parents told her “If you ever come across that sneaky fox, don’t pay him any mind. Just walk swiftly but never turn your back.” And she couldn’t see why he the fox could be such a bad person. “They’re just over reacting. That fox is probably the sweetest person you’d ever meet.”

One evening Chickadee’s parents sent her out to gather some food for dinner, but before she left Mother reminded her of the fox. “If you ever come across that sneaky fox, don’t pay him any mind. Just walk swiftly but never turn your back.” She responded with a nod and a smile but as she gathered she thought to herself about how her parents MUST be wrong. “I mean, they’ve never met him how do they know?” just then she heard someone behind her. She turned around to see none other than the fox. “Oh hello,” he said. “I didn’t realize someone was gathering here. Mind if I join?” he asked.

Chickadee thought briefly about what her parents had told her those many times, but was certain that they were wrong. Besides, he looks kind enough. “No, help yourself. I’ve never seen you around here.” She said. “Oh, I usually gather deeper in the forest but I decided that I would like a change of scenery today.” She agreed with him saying that it would be nice to explore different places but her parents only let her gather in this spot because they’re afraid for her safety. “That’s crazy, the forest has been a very safe place for years upon years!” the fox said staying close behind her. “I know! But they seem to think that that will change.”  She said facing him briefly before she carried on walking.

“I guess you never know.” The fox said. “What do you mean?” she asked as she picked some berries. “Well,” the fox said. “You never know who could just walk up behind you.” She looked up from a bush long enough to say “Yes, but like you said, this is one of the safest places, like, ever. There aren’t any killers here.” and returned to her work. “Just because they don’t live here doesn’t mean that they won’t show up. Killers are crazy people; they would do anything to get their prey.” Chickadee began to feel a bit uneasy. “Like what?” She dared ask. “Oh, golly,” he said taking a step towards her. ”They would disguise themselves, make themselves look like a part of the community,” He said taking another step. “Or come out at night to catch them coming home late.” He said getting closer. “Or even deceive them. Make them think they’re a friend.”

She was really nervous now, buy it’s probably just because of what her parents told her; though, they couldn’t possibly have been right. The fox really seems to be a nice guy! As she and the fox stood face to face she tried to think of a way to leave politely as she was late for dinner. “Well,” she said taking a few steps back. “I really ought to be getting home. Mother and Father are expecting me for dinner.”  “Oh, must you go? I’m sure they won’t miss you for a few minutes more.” He said stepping towards her again. “Oh, but you see I’m late as it is, and I have our dinner here, so I really must be off.” She started to go around the fox but his eyes never left her.  “Alright, if you must.” He said and as she started out of the gathering area. She stopped quickly and turned around to say “Maybe I’ll see you around here again sometime?” “Yeah,” he said as she turned her back on him. And with a big grin on his face he whispered “I doubt it.” And pounced.

One more murder the fox is responsible for. One more murder and a forest full of broken hearts.