She could barely believe her luck.
Hansel and Gretel had a witch in
it! A wicked witch. She could go
on stage looking like her usual self
and no one would notice. And then,
on opening night when all the
village was assembled, she could
put her wicked plan—and it was a
very wicked plan—into action.
777
The Very Wicked Witch went
to Village Hall and watched the
other witches try out. They were
pathetic. Velvet hats covered in
cute little stars, cackles that sounded
friendly, fake plastic warts. Absolutely
terrible.
Unlike her. She did a splendid job.
She stomped around, growling and
cackling, her face a hideous grimace.
Several children waiting to audition
ran off, never to return.
Afterwards, everyone left. Every-
one except Molly, the girl playing
Gretel, who was hiding behind
the curtain. She watched the Very
Wicked Witch take a newt from
her robe.
The witch spoke to the newt.
The newt spoke back.
“Hmm,” Molly thought.
“Interesting.”
777
On the day of the first show,
the cast had their final rehearsal.
At lunch break, Molly spoke to
Hector, the boy playing Hansel.
“I think,” Mollysaid,“she’sa realPour the apple mix into
the bottom crust.Slice one and a half tablespoons
butter into chunks and arrange on top. this disorganized groupWho would believe this —could make a le—
a monsterapple pie?