The Lodge at Dawn

Red Riding Hood's hooves clicked against the wooden floor as she rushed through the hallway of Mother Goat's Lodge. Her red cape swirled behind her as she knocked on the kitchen door.

"Mother Goat? Are you awake?" she called softly.

The door creaked open, revealing a tall figure in a white apron. Mother Goat's usually bright brown eyes looked tired, and her fluffy blonde hair was messy from sleep. Most strangely, her face showed no trace of her usual warm smile.

"Good morning, dear," Mother Goat said in a flat voice. She turned back to the stove where pancakes sizzled.

Red frowned. Something felt wrong. Mother Goat always greeted her with a cheerful grin and a hug. Today, she barely looked at her.

"Did you sleep well?" Red asked, stepping closer.

"Fine," Mother Goat replied, flipping a pancake with mechanical movements.

Red's super speed made her notice details others might miss. Mother Goat's shoulders were slumped, her movements slow. The usual sparkle in her eyes had disappeared completely.

The Messenger's Call

Red watched Mother Goat flip another pancake with robot-like movements. The kitchen felt colder than usual, even with the warm stove crackling.

"I brought fresh berries from the forest," Red said, pulling out a small basket. "Your favorites."

Mother Goat glanced at the bright red berries and shrugged. "Thank you."

No smile. No excitement. Red's heart sank.

Suddenly, the kitchen door burst open. A small sparrow with bright yellow feathers zipped inside, chirping frantically.

"Penny?" Red recognized the forest messenger bird. "What's wrong?"

The sparrow landed on Red's shoulder, flapping her tiny wings. "Emergency at the music festival! The stage collapsed! Three injured deer need help getting to the healer's cottage!"

Red's super speed powers tingled. Someone needed her. She looked at Mother Goat, who continued cooking as if nothing had happened.

"I have to go," Red said.

Mother Goat barely nodded. "Be careful."

Red hesitated. Mother Goat usually worried about her adventures, always sending her off with warm hugs and reminders to stay safe. Today, she acted like Red was just another guest leaving the lodge.

Something was seriously wrong with Mother Goat.