"Don't worry, Grethel." He smiled and held her hand. "I have marked the road we've come with flints from my pocket. All we need to do is follow their trail. By the break of dawn we will have returned home." Grethels face brightened at such news, but still there was fear and tears in her eyes. "How are we supposed to find your flints in the dark?", she asked. Hansels smile boomed with confidence. "We will find them. Look, the moon is full and guides our way." That seemed to sooth her worries, and together they made for the way home.

Indeed they easily found the flints which Hansel had left behind. But the night was full of awful sounds. Grethel followed close behind her brother, shivering. Sometimes she even whimpered under her breath, while

Hansel was focused on finding his flints on the road. Grethel heard wild animals passing through bushes. Foxes yelled in the distances and owl hooted. The trees grew thicker, and she imagined to see long taloned hands reaching out for them. A wolf howled, and she screamed.

"Grethel!" Hansel turned on her, angry with his sister. "Are you out of your mind? The whole forest will know where we are if you keep crying like this."

Grethel gaped at her brother, shocked to see him so angry with her. She found no words, and so she sobbed very quietly and hid her face in her hands.

Hansel, regretting his words, took her in his arms. "Sorry", he said quietly, "I'm frightened myself." And while they stood there gathering clouds swallowed the moon.