The clock struck twelve.
“I have to go,” she said pushing him away.
She ran down the stairs.
Who was she? Why the hurry? The ball would not end until two.
Then he saw the gleaming shoe. Something of her. He smiled to himself. He would find her.

Her grandmother seemed very hairy.
“All the better to eat you with.”
The girl recognised the wolf. The red cape might stop the blood showing.
The wolf’s sharp teeth would rip into her soon.
“No you don’t,” shouted a voice. The woodcutter with his strong axe stood in the doorway.

The fairy had been right. Those brambles were like trees.
Now, all these people here, fast asleep. A hundred years! All because of some girl pricking her finger on a needle.
Then he saw her. The kiss was the easy part.
She looked even more beautiful when she was awake.