For the Twins: a serial story, part 3

[Editor’s note: This is the third part in the Washington Public Library’s serial story, where a different author contributes a new chapter to the story each week.]

“Hmm, I will feed my appetite first,” she thought, gazing at her luscious breakfast before her.

“Her eyes sparkled as she was not used to eating anything but decaying apples, oranges, or berries with an occasional pecan or two as a side dish. Cucumber sandwiches so fresh, smelling of delicious cream cheese and dill, cut into dainty triangles and circles beckoned her to eat them. The young folks had put much effort into cutting the bread into uniform crustless sections-a sight to behold! Aurelia bit her lip to keep her drool from spilling onto her dress. What good fortune to have pilfered such a glorious culinary treat!”

“As she began to life one triangular cucumber sandwich, she leaned back into a mossy patch of dried leaves mixed with foggy, foggy dew. Crunch! Smoosh! Her foot had sunk beneath the oak leaves and was caught under the bramble. Distracted by this unexpected annoyance, she momentarily left behind her cucumber snacks, using both hands to pull and tug, tug and pull, pull and tug until finally her sore foot broke free from the mossy mess of leaves and branches.”

“Unbeknownst to Aurelia, during the brief interlude of releasing her foot, several of her forest critters had caught a whiff of the cucumber sandwiches. They were unable to resist the soft, white bread, the pungent cream cheese, the bite of dill, and of course, the fresh moisture of the cucumber rind. These woodland friends were aware and respectful of Aurelia and only took away three sandwiches to enjoy while the attention was diverted.”

“Naturally, Aurelia was tempted to punish these critter thieves, however, thought better of it, as she remembered, she too, had pilfered the cucumber delights from those silly humans, smiling to herself at her cleverness.”

One of the twins wondered aloud, “Why doesn’t she does eat those sandwiches? I’m getting tired. Can we make some cucumber sandwiches before bed tonight?”

“No, you just brushed your teeth.”

Moaning and sighing followed. Frowns appeared. After readjusting themselves on the couch, they turned their eyes back up to peer at the face of the one who normally did not refuse them.

“Go on,”

“Now, back to discover what our wood nymph Aurelia had up her sleeves. Before her impulsive prank could be completed, she knew she must eat. She could not consider a prank until the sandwiches had traveled down her throat and into her belly to satisfaction.

“So ready!” Her finger enveloped a triangular snack and, glunk, as fast a bee connected to a clover, she swallowed and smiled widely. Just as she predicted, the taste she encapsulated was a new and enticing experience for her. How delectable! For a moment Aurelia pondered how wonderful these sandwiches could be if they were shared with another wood nymph. Quickly, she devoured the remaining sandwiches and thought she might thank those humans for their culinary expertise. Not today, however! She must put her plan in place for the next prank. A satisfied stomach resulted in a quicker mind, deducing how to protect her beloved nature from anymore raucous, young hooligans who had to thoughtlessly disturbed her sleep.

“Aha! I know what to do next…”