Red ridding hood

Red Riding Hood stood calmly before the Wolf
She reached out,

tentatively,

and put one hand on the Wolf's head
The Wolf paused, confused, astounded
both did not move for some time
Then, the Wolf understood:
She was showing she understood his pain

his loniless

his struggle

his sorrow
His eyes and ears dropped

touched and astonished by her kindness

unprepared for the rush of emotion
She put her other hand on his face and smiled gently
We all hurt
she murmured and moved forward, very slowly

she embraced him in her warm loving arms