The wolves had chased Pig One and Pig Two for days, but now the tables had turned. Pig Three, the cleverest, stoked the fire, casting flickering shadows across the wolf’s bedraggled form as he slumped near the pot, defeated. The wolf’s eyes darted from the swirling steam to the pigs, but there was no malice left, only resignation. Silence settles heavily, broken only by the gentle bubbling of the broth.
Wolf looks up at the pigs, voice hoarse but oddly gentle. "You’re adding too much rosemary. It’ll overpower the carrots. Try a pinch of thyme instead," he offers, gaze cast downward. The pigs exchange bewildered glances, unsure whether to laugh or run. "Why would you help us cook... you?" asks Pig Two, his voice trembling. The wolf shrugs, shoulders heavy with defeat.
Pig One gently lifts the wolf from the edge of the pot, careful not to scald him. Pig Three fetches a razor, lathering the wolf’s fur with soap and shaving him smooth, all while Pig Two sprinkles thyme and pepper into the broth. "You really don’t want to leave?" asks Pig One, searching the wolf’s face for a sign. "I’m tired of running. At least let me make it a good stew," the wolf replies.
Pig Three keeps an eye on the creaky door, clutching a rolling pin just in case. Wolf, now shaved and clean, inspects the pot with the air of a connoisseur, sniffing the steam and dipping a paw for taste. "More salt. And a splash of cider," he instructs, voice steadier. The pigs obey, still wary but oddly comforted by his expertise. The surrealness of the moment hangs over them all.
Wolf gazes at the pigs, his eyes soft with gratitude and fatigue. "Help me in," he requests, voice almost peaceful. The pigs help him climb gently into the pot, careful not to spill. "Thank you, Wolf," whispers Pig One, voice thick with emotion. The wolf closes his eyes, relaxing as the warmth embraces him, a strange serenity settling over his features.
No one speaks for a long time as they eat, the taste both familiar and extraordinary. The pigs find themselves grateful—not just for the meal, but for the wolf’s unexpected grace. "It’s the best stew I’ve ever tasted," murmurs Pig Two, voice hushed. The others nod, lost in thought, the memory of the wolf’s final kindness lingering in the quiet night.
