Once upon a time,” the storyteller says, “two children lived in the woods with their father and stepmother.

“When hard times fell on the family, the stepmother decided they could no longer afford to keep their children clothed and fed.

“ ‘Husband,’ she said, ‘lead your children deep into the woods. Leave them there. The forest spirits will care for them.’

“His wife had a harsh voice and an unkind face. The man did not want her to use either against him. So he led his children away.

“But his son had overheard the woman’s ugly voice and made a plan of his own. The boy dropped white pebbles behind him as they walked, and that was how the boy and his sister made it home again.”

“And then what happened?” the children ask.

“Are you certain you wish to hear it?” the storyteller says. “It gets far grimmer from here.”

The children were certain. For what child does not wish to hear terrible truths told in a beautiful way?