There was once a little girl named Lupita who lived with her stepmother and stepsister, Petra. Lupita was always kind and polite but her stepsister was cruel and demanding.

Petra would shout at Lupita to sweep the house, wash the clothes, and cook the meals each day. As for Lupita, she would do the tasks without complaint until she was exhausted.

One cold winter day, as the snowflakes fell from the sky, Petra had a peculiar craving. She wished to eat strawberries, a fruit that was out of season.

"Lupita, I want strawberries. Go to the forest and bring me some," Petra ordered. Without a word, Lupita bundled up and set off into the snowy forest.

Lupita ran until she reached the deepest part of the forest. She began to search for strawberries, digging beneath the snow and around the trees, but found nothing.

She scanned the surroundings, her heart pounding. The tranquil forest was now a terrifying labyrinth. The falling snowflakes seemed like tiny ghosts dancing in the air.

As night fell, Lupita remained in the forest, now a dark, cold and ominous place. The snow continued to fall, covering her small footprints.

Among the trees, the sounds of the night echoed eerily. The hoot of an owl made Lupita's heart pound harder and she quickly scampered up a nearby tree.

In the cold darkness, she heard a long howl that sounded like a wolf. Lupita clung to the tree, trying to control her trembling hands.

After the howl, she heard a rustling in the bushes. The sight of a pair of glowing eyes made her breath catch in her throat.

Suddenly, a fox appeared from behind the bushes, its eyes fixing on Lupita. Terrified, she prayed that it wouldn't climb the tree.

The fox sniffed around the base of the tree before disappearing into the forest. Lupita exhaled in relief as her pounding heart began to slow.

Meanwhile, Petra was at home comfortably seated before the fireplace. She was oblivious to Lupita's fearful adventure in the forest.

Petra was anticipating the sweet taste of strawberries, unaware that Lupita was stranded in the forest, cold and scared.

Back in the forest, Lupita decided to leave the tree. She knew she couldn't stay up there all night. Taking a deep breath, she climbed down.

She looked back at her snowy and shadowy surroundings, not knowing where to go. But a glimmer of hope remained in her heart.

Suddenly, she noticed a faint glow in the distance. With renewed energy, Lupita followed the glow, hoping it would lead her home.

As she neared the glow, she was surprised to find a patch of strawberries. Their sweet scent filled the chilly air, warming Lupita’s heart.

Lupita picked the strawberries with a smile. Despite her cold fingers, she felt warm inside knowing that she had found them.

With a basket full of strawberries, Lupita thanked the forest and followed the glow, which led her back to the edge of the forest.

Meanwhile at home, Petra was growing impatient. She stared at the clock, tapping her foot and sighed deeply.

Finally, Lupita entered the house, her face flushed but smiling. She presented Petra with the basket of strawberries. Petra’s eyes widened in surprise.

Petra was speechless, not expecting Lupita to bring back strawberries in the middle of winter. She could not admit, but she was impressed.

Lupita then, with a tired smile, retreated to her room. Despite her ordeal, she was glad to have fulfilled Petra's wish.

That night, as Lupita slept, she dreamt of strawberries glowing in the forest and of her brave journey. She woke up feeling proud and courageous.

Lupita became a symbol of bravery in her small town. The story of a little girl who faced her fear and found something beautiful was told over and over.

As for Petra, she changed her harsh ways and became kinder to Lupita. She realized Lupita's strength, resilience, and kindness could not be taken for granted.

Lupita's life was still filled with chores, but now they were shared. The house felt warmer, the chores easier and the days brighter for both Lupita and Petra.

The story of Lupita's brave adventure and her glowing strawberries spread throughout the town. It brought a ray of hope and courage to everyone who heard it.

Lupita grew up to be a brave young woman, always ready to face any challenge. Her story inspired others and brought faith in strength and kindness.

And so, in the house near the forest, lives a brave girl named Lupita, whose kindness, courage and adventure to find strawberries will never be forgotten.