When the Gingerbread Man Ran Away

Previously

…The Gingerbread Man felt a chill that had nothing to do with the river. The fox’s tone had changed. The helpfulness was gone, replaced by something sharp and predatory. He looked into the fox’s amber eyes and saw not kindness, but a glint of pure, unadulterated desire. He tried to scramble back, but it was too late. The fox's head tilted back, and with a quick, decisive snap, the Gingerbread Man found himself tumbling into the dark, wet mouth of the fox. The last sensation the Gingerbread Man felt was a brief, sharp pressure, a taste of spice and ginger, and then… nothing. The river continued to gurgle, carrying away the last crumb of the brave, adventurous Gingerbread Man.