The girl knocked quietly at the door, almost hoping that there wasn’t going to be any response from within the house. She had heard the rumours about the witch who lived there. Why her mother would instruct her to take cookies she had no idea. There was no way that she was going to stay there longer than was necessary.

The door opened revealing the old woman, who was clutching a mug of steaming tea. She frowned at the girl, but smiled when she noticed the plate of cookies. “Come inside, child.”

However, on seeing the cup, the girl screamed.