Never Have I Ever

Gretel

I don’t expect to fall asleep quickly, or even at all. But I climb into the narrow bed Hansel offered me, pull the worn blanket around my shoulders, and I’m dreaming within seconds.

I dream of the summer, as it was before everything fell apart. Soft, green grass under my bare feet. The stream running through the forest. Market days in the village that went late into the long summer nights.

I dream of dancing by the bonfire in the town square at midsummer and walking home with Hansel, laughing. Our feet ached so badly he had to pick me up and carry me the last stretch, but I would’ve kept dancing if he wanted to.