Puss and Goldie: A Tale of Hearts and Shadows

by Cooper Schlickau

When Puss in Boots regains his nine lives, he finds himself grappling with emptiness, while Goldilocks, estranged from the Bear family, searches for the meaning of "Just Right." Joined by the ever-hopeful Perrito and sharp-witted Kitty So they embark on a journey of redemption and self-discovery.

1. Chapter 1

This story came from a request from someone named Cwoods1997 in the review section of Puss in Boots always works solo by the author named bluJewel (plus permission from him) so I thought I'd take a crack at it.

I own nothing, all rights go their respective owners.

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Chapter 1: A Fractured "Just Right"

Goldie stared at the fading silhouette of the Bear family as they disappeared into the forest. Her chest tightened with an ache she couldn't describe, like a thread unraveling from her heart. Every step they took away from her felt heavier, their words echoing in her mind.

"You said we weren't your real family," Mama Bear had said, the pain in her voice cutting deeper than any wound. Goldie had wanted to shout, to beg them to stay, but her throat had clenched shut under the weight of her own confusion.

She lingered at the edge of the clearing, hoping—praying—they might turn back. But they didn't. The warm, familiar glow of their presence faded into the shadows of the trees, leaving her in the hollow silence of the woods.

"Was it all a mistake?" she whispered to herself, her fingers trembling as they reached for the bracelet Baby Bear had made for her. The delicate beads felt cold against her skin, a stark contrast to the warmth they once symbolized. For the first time in a long while, Goldie felt truly alone. Her heart ached more than she thought it would. The warmth and laughter they had shared felt like a distant memory, and now, the silence of the woods was deafening.

"You said we weren't your real family," Mama Bear had said, her voice trembling with hurt. "Maybe it's time you found what you're looking for."

Goldie had tried to explain, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I didn't mean it like that! You're my family, but… I thought there was something more—"

"More than us?" Baby Bear's hurt expression was the final blow.

Now, she was alone again, left with nothing but the echo of her own doubts. Was she wrong about her "Just Right"? The thought weighed heavy on her as she set out on the dusty road. The sky above was overcast, a reflection of her mood. She wasn't sure where the path led, but she was determined to find out.