Chapter Four

That evening, Little Red Riding Hood searched The Forest Web and found something that looked promising. She signed Granny up for it.

“The club is called The Forest Belles, Granny,” she said on her next visit. “And it’s for people just like you — older ladies who live on their own. They meet twice a week and go on great trips. I bet you’ll love it!”

But Granny didn’t. She hated it and stopped going after a week.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” she said, “but being with a bunch of old ladies isn’t my cup of tea. I mean, all they did was gossip and complain.”

Little Red Riding Hood trudged homeward down the woodland path, even more worried than ever. She bumped into the woodcutter again.

“I see things aren’t going well,” he boomed.

Little Red Riding Hood explained about The Forest Belles.

“Can’t say I blame Granny for feeling that way,” said Mr. Woodcutter. “Sounds to me as if she’d prefer the company of one person. I could always . . .”

“I don’t know, Mr. Woodcutter,” Little Red Riding Hood said gloomily. “It would have to be the right person, but who could that be?”

The woodcutter smiled broadly at her, but she didn’t notice.

“You do have a point, though,” she said. “Thanks for the advice. Goodbye!”

Mr. Woodcutter’s shoulders sagged, and he sadly turned away.