She’d followed their path through the woods, noting how they easily spotted treasures in flora and fauna. Taking only what they needed, they left the rest for future wanderers. Kills were merciful, no parts wasted. One carried firm seeds of three sisters, the other dreamed with moonstones and what might be created from them.

She hid under toadstools and rode the sky in mortar and pestle. She knew a hard world needs strong children. Keeping distant, but sending familiars, she was pleased with the results.

So when they arrived, she opened her door with a welcome waft of gingerbread.

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2023)

Carrot Ranch  Prompt (08/15/2023): In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about the journey home. Who is going home? Or are they in search of a future home or ancestral roots? Think of home as a life lived — adventures, relationships, accumulations. What makes home worth the journey? Go where the prompt leads!