When the Gingerbread Man Ran Away

Previously

…The Gingerbread Man’s smile faltered. "What's that?" he asked, a knot of unease tightening in his sugary tummy. The horse opened its mouth, and this time, it wasn't chewing its cud. It was a wide, dark cavern, filled with strong, white teeth. "Me," the horse rumbled, and before the Gingerbread Man could even utter a squeak, he was gone, a sweet, crumbly morsel swallowed in a single, swift gulp. The horse stood for a moment, its jaws working, a satisfied look on its face. Then, with a flick of its tail, it turned and cantered away, leaving the riverbank quiet once more, save for the ceaseless murmur of the water.