As evening falls, we find Hansel and Gretel deep in the forest. Their basket is nearly filled with berries, yet their attention soon drifts from the task at hand. Gretel weaves a crown of wildflowers while Hansel brandishes a stick like a sword, lost in playful fantasy. Hunger gnaws at them both, and they begin to justify tasting just a few of the berries. Pretending to mimic the cuckoo birds they hear in the forest. They eat one after another until, before they realize it, the basket is completely empty. 

Determined to refill it, the children set out again, but dusk has settled over the woods. Suddenly, every tree seems unfamiliar, every shadow menacing. The forest itself feels alive, echoing their fears back at them. Overcome with dread, they cling to one another, their imaginations transforming the wilderness into a world of looming threats. 

It is then that the Sandman appears—a gentle spirit of the forest who comes each night to gift children with peaceful dreams. After watching him depart, Hansel and Gretel are overtaken by drowsiness. Kneeling side by side, they recite the evening prayer their father taught them before drifting into sleep. 

As they dream, a host of benevolent forest spirits gather around, surrounding them with comfort and protection. Yet at the edges of this dream lurks the witch, drawn to the children even in slumber. But she cannot reach them—their innocence is guarded by the watchful spirits of the woods.