The prompt is to reimagine an old legend or fairy tale in modern times.

Goldilocks was a lively curious girl of twelve. She contributed to several blogs with a large following of her peers. One afternoon, taking her smartphone and her adventurous spirit, she went hiking in the nearby woods to boost her step count. Far into the woods, she discovered a charming eco-friendly cottage with solar panels, a rainwater-harvesting system, and a compost bin. The door was slightly ajar.

She called out, “Yoo-hoo? Anybody home?”

Having heard no reply, her curiosity overcame her good manners, and she walked in. It was a cozy place, and she quickly surmised that three beings lived there in harmony with the woodlands.

Inside, she found three bowls of oatmeal on the kitchen counter—one was big, with some foil over the top to hold the steamy temperature, and it was too hot. One was sitting in a bowl of ice and subsequently too cold – who eats cold oatmeal, she wondered? The third was just right with brown sugar and raisins on top. Being a bit peckish, she snapped a photo for her food blog before devouring the third.

Then she went into the living room and tried out three ergonomic chairs—one was too stiff and so high her feet didn’t touch the floor; one was too squishy with a fuzzy throw and a big dip in the seat, obviously made by an overweight being; but the third fit her perfectly. She noted the manufacturer of each chair so she could post a review on her lifestyle blog and moved on.

She noticed some trophies on the mantel in the living room. She took a photo of those too. None were familiar to her. One was for winner of Best Springtime Camouflage, one was third place for Spooking Adversaries, and another was winner for Best Berry Haul of the Year 2024. She wasn’t sure which blog site to post this photo to, positing she might start a new one.

Upstairs, she tested three smart beds—one was too firm, and the control was stuck on high, one too soft with the control stuck on low, and the third, with temperature control and lumbar support, was just right. She fell asleep in the third, dreaming of five-star ratings.

Soon, the Bear family, who owned the charming cottage, returned from their morning yoga in the park. Mr. Bear, Bruno, grumbled at the missing oatmeal, Mrs. Bear, Ursula, frowned when she saw the chair cushions that had been disturbed, and Baby Bear, Osito, found Goldilocks snoring in his bed.

“Look, Mama and Papa, I found a stranger in my bed,” he called out.

Startled awake, Goldilocks apologized profusely. The Bears, being progressive and mindful, forgave her—but asked her to respect boundaries, knock next time, and wait to be invited in. Before she left, she asked to take a selfie with the family to post on her relationship blog. They agreed and said she was welcome to come again.

Moral: Curiosity is wonderful, but respect and consent matter—even in fairy tales.