When the Gingerbread Man Ran Away

Previously

…He took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Alright," he said, his voice firm. "I'll come. But no tea. And no dipping." The farmer’s smile widened, a genuine, hearty smile this time. "No tea, no dipping," he promised. "Just a walk. Come along, then." And with that, the Gingerbread Man, his raisin eyes scanning the farmer's every move, began to trot alongside the farmer, moving towards the distant line of trees, his heart thrumming with a mixture of excitement and a tiny, persistent flutter of apprehension. He was heading towards a river, and he had no idea what lay on the other side.