The use of Hansel and Greta gave it a more... magic realism feeling than it otherwise would have, for me - and I felt that was exactly what was need at the end to make the ending hopeful!
Thank you for reading! My wife is the one who named Pants. I wanted to name her something distinguished like Oak or Cedar. Turns out she is NOT a distinguished dog - my wife called it! We had a neighbor several years ago who had a dog named Pants, and it was just so fun to yell, “Pants!” whenever we saw them on a walk. So we stole the name. 😬
Thank you! One of my favorite things about fairy tales is how the symbols and motifs can transform with culture and values. I wanted to use everything I could from the original stories. The white stones (or breadcrumbs, in some versions) were the children’s way of finding their way home. For Greta, “home” is herself.
Chloe, I simply adore this piece, and it's wonderful to see it here on Qstack. Reading such a heartfelt and delightful trans story from a cis friend demonstrates that none of us are really "other," and that we all belong together.
Troy, thank you so much for celebrating SmallStack's birthday with us! I feel like we're just beginning to walk and pull things down from the kitchen counters, so hooray to toddler freedom!
What a poignant fairytale and brilliant moral metaphor for current reality. Also appreciate the variant of Hansel and Gretel. If only we could all accept the idea that each of us has some degree of Hans and Greta (and everything in between) inside. Thank you for your allyship and creativity, Chloe. 🩵🩷🤍
And the terrible tale of Lucy's huge loss...no words there 💔❤️🩹❤️🔥. Wishing Lucy abundant patience and a full restoration...and thank you for sounding the alarm and resourcing us with preventive measures.
Big congrats to Robin (love smallstack), Andrea & TK, too 👏🎉
Really good short story!
The use of Hansel and Greta gave it a more... magic realism feeling than it otherwise would have, for me - and I felt that was exactly what was need at the end to make the ending hopeful!
I loved this story, I am so very much rooting for Greta…and her mother.
Loved this story… And there has to Be a story behind the name of your pretty puppy PANTS?
Thank you for reading! My wife is the one who named Pants. I wanted to name her something distinguished like Oak or Cedar. Turns out she is NOT a distinguished dog - my wife called it! We had a neighbor several years ago who had a dog named Pants, and it was just so fun to yell, “Pants!” whenever we saw them on a walk. So we stole the name. 😬
Such a poignant tale. Greta, holding onto those white stones of truth amidst so much fear, then running free toward herself. Beautiful.
Thank you! One of my favorite things about fairy tales is how the symbols and motifs can transform with culture and values. I wanted to use everything I could from the original stories. The white stones (or breadcrumbs, in some versions) were the children’s way of finding their way home. For Greta, “home” is herself.
This has such wonderful pacing and just the right feeling of a fairy tale, and yet such a sad and chilling story. Thank you to Chloe for sharing it.
I so appreciate you reading and commenting, Amy.
Chloe, I simply adore this piece, and it's wonderful to see it here on Qstack. Reading such a heartfelt and delightful trans story from a cis friend demonstrates that none of us are really "other," and that we all belong together.
Troy, thank you so much for celebrating SmallStack's birthday with us! I feel like we're just beginning to walk and pull things down from the kitchen counters, so hooray to toddler freedom!
Thank you, Robin! And congratulations on your Substack birthday!
So glad you liked Chloe's story! Here we go! :)
What a poignant fairytale and brilliant moral metaphor for current reality. Also appreciate the variant of Hansel and Gretel. If only we could all accept the idea that each of us has some degree of Hans and Greta (and everything in between) inside. Thank you for your allyship and creativity, Chloe. 🩵🩷🤍
And the terrible tale of Lucy's huge loss...no words there 💔❤️🩹❤️🔥. Wishing Lucy abundant patience and a full restoration...and thank you for sounding the alarm and resourcing us with preventive measures.
Big congrats to Robin (love smallstack), Andrea & TK, too 👏🎉
Thank you so much for reading and sharing.
Wonderful and sad
Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to read.
I just loved this sweet but sad tale from the get-go, Chloe. Thank you for submitting it - lovely to have you with us here on Qstack. :)
Thank you so much for including me in the directory and giving Greta an audience. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!
You are very welcome, Chloe! Glad to have you.