A HOUSE MADE OF CANDY IN THE ENCHANTED FOREST

"Now, remember, Mama thinks it's only the day after Christmas.  Papa won't know what day it is," whispered Annalisa as they came downstairs the morning after they arrived home, worn out from their arduous journey.

"When we left, there was snow everywhere; now it's Spring!  Mama will know something is amiss, don't you think?" said Arabella.

"Act innocent!  We know nothing!"

The twins entered the dining room, wide-eyed and smiling.  "Good morning, Mama and Papa, did you sleep well?" they said in unison.

"Well, I certainly did!" said their mother, "I haven't slept that well in ages.  I feel wonderful....full of energy."

"And you look so beautiful, Mama," said Arabella.  "Just radiant!  Doesn't she, Annalisa?  (who nodded vigorously)  "Papa, how are you today?"

Papa grunted something unintelligible.  As usual.

"Just so, Papa!  Well, we may be spending the entire day outdoors.  It is so lovely out today that I....."

"Now that IS strange, Girls.  I could have sworn it was snowing yesterday, but today it is positively springlike!"  The girls eyed each other but said nothing.  "I may spend the day in the garden.  What do you plan to do, my dear?" the Queen to her husband who had fallen asleep.  "Wonderful!"

"Mother, have you ever heard of a house made of candy in the woods?" said Arabella, brightly.  "We've been hearing stories and wondered....."

"NEVER, never, go there, my daughters!  There IS a house of candy and it was built by my great-aunt Evilyn--"  (The sisters rolled their eyes.)  "She built it to lure hungry little children to her peppermint lair.  She puts them in a large cage and fattens them up so she can EAT them!"

The sisters jumped; they had not expected this.  How dreadful!  They must leave at once for the forest and save those children.  They leaped from their chairs and ran to the door, exclaiming that they needed fresh air, perhaps a brisk walk.....

"Girls, don't even think of looking for that candy house!  I forbid you to go there!  Ever!" cried Mother.  "And be back for lunch."

The fairy sisters naturally flew straight to the forest to look for the candy house.  And there it was in the distance with the two children standing outside eating chocolate and looking cheerful.  The forest fairies flew to the little girl and boy and hovered in front them.

"We are the forest fairies, Annalisa and Arabella.  Who are you?"

"We are Hansel and Gretel," said the little boy.  "This candy is delicious!"

"You are in big trouble, Children, and we're here to save you!"