Morning Bubbles

Doodle Red Riding Hood stretched her arms as warm water bubbled around her in the hot tub. The morning sun streamed through the windows of her fortress, casting rainbows across the crayon walls.

"Perfect way to start the day," she said, sinking deeper into the bubbles. Her red cape hung on a nearby pencil hook, and her utility belt sat within arm's reach.

Below, she could hear the familiar sounds of Art Gallery Meadow waking up. Sheep bleated cheerfully in the distance, and the morning market was probably setting up colorful stalls.

She closed her bright green eyes and smiled. Being a superhero was exhausting work, but mornings like this made everything worth it. Her fortress stood tall and proud, built from every art supply imaginable. Giant crayons formed the foundation, while marker towers spiraled upward.

A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh grass and wildflowers through the open window. Everything seemed perfectly normal in her peaceful world.

Nothing could disturb this perfect morning.

Or so she thought.

The Gray Morning

A loud CRACK echoed through the fortress, making the hot tub water slosh violently. Doodle Red Riding Hood bolted upright, sending bubbles everywhere.

"What was that?" she gasped, climbing out and grabbing her cape.

Through the window, something was terribly wrong. The bright yellow sheep in the distance looked... gray. The purple flowers in the meadow had turned pale white. Even the colorful market stalls below seemed to be draining of color like spilled paint.

"This can't be happening," she whispered, pulling on her utility belt.

A small monkey with silver fur scurried up the crayon wall outside her window, chattering frantically. His fur should have been brown, but now it looked like old newspaper.

"Easy there, little guy," she said, opening the window. "What's got you so worried?"

The monkey pointed toward the market with tiny gray hands, making urgent squeaking sounds. Whatever was stealing the colors was spreading fast across Art Gallery Meadow.

Doodle Red Riding Hood's bright green eyes narrowed with determination. She had to act quickly before her entire world became a colorless wasteland.