The Little Red Hen

Once upon a time in the far off land of Castro Valley there lived a Little Red Hen. She was an exceptionally nice Little Red Hen who was very kind-hearted and always doing thoughtful things for people. One day the Little Red Hen decided to bake some bread. She knew that this would mean a lot of work but being a very industrious Little Red Hen she wasn’t afraid of work and besides she knew that she had a lot of helpers.

The first thing to do was go to the store and buy the flour and yeast and milk and, well you get the idea. The Little Red Hen, while very industrious, had a bad back and didn’t really want to go to the store. So she asked the cat if she would go for her.

“Sorry,” said the cat, “I’m really busy right now. I have all these plants that need to go in the ground and I have to go buy more plants, and I’m going to need a nap soon.”

This didn’t make the Little Red Hen very happy but ok, there were still others she could ask.

The fox didn’t seem to be doing anything so she asked him. “Well I wouldn’t mind but there are some eggs I’m keeping an eye on. Maybe after they hatch but it will be late then. I don’t know, maybe tomorrow.”

This didn’t make the Little Red Hen happy either but she knew the duck was around someplace. She was sure he would go to the store for her. “No can do,” said the duck. “I have a TV show to watch, I can’t be running around to the store.”

So the Little Red Hen got into her car and went to the store by herself.

When she got home she really wanted some help mixing and kneading the bread. Since the cat, the fox and the duck hadn’t helped she thought she’d try the goose.

“Oh, I’d really love to help you,” said the goose, “but you know I just haven’t the time. I’m working on knitting a sweater for the goslings and, well, I’m sure you understand.”

This didn’t make the Little Red Hen happy but she knew the horse was around someplace and was sure he would help her.

“Truly I would like to help you,” the horse said, “but I’ve hurt my hoof and all I could do is stand around and make polite noises. Probably not what you had in mind is it?”

No it wasn’t and this didn’t make the Little Red Hen very happy either. She decided to mix and knead the bread by herself.

Finally the bread was done and baking in the oven. It smelled quite delicious and the Little Red Hen was looking forward to having a piece soon. Just as she was ready to take the bread out of the oven, she looked up and saw the cat, the fox, the duck, the goose, and the horse standing at her door.

“My goodness,” said the cat politely, “that does smell delicious.” The other animals all nodded their heads eagerly in agreement. The Little Red Hen reached into the oven and took out the bread.

“It certainly does smell good.” she agreed. She began to slice a piece for herself. Looking up at the eager faces around her she relented. “Would you all like a piece?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” So the Little Red Hen sliced them each a piece of bread which only left one small piece for her. She was a kind-hearted Little Red Hen though and didn’t really begrudge any of them the bread even though they had all been to busy to help make it. “Maybe next time I make bread you’ll be able to help me?” she said.

“Um, um.” said the cat.

“I’m busy that day,” said the fox.

“Probably not.” said the duck.

“Well, maybe unless something comes up.” said the goose.

“My hoof may not be better.” said the horse.

The Little Red Hen looked at them all, threw up her hands in despair, and went back to her computer.

Now, I’m sure you all recognize there is a moral to this story. I hope that I don’t have to explain it to you or send individual letters, or illustrated stories, or make threatening phone calls. "Qui Tacet Consentit" (735 words)

The Little Red Hen
Oh, I mean Robin