Patty Liu - Silent Reflections

“I think the pumpkin monster is back,” came a voice from behind them. It was a short little fat man talking to a lady in her middle age. They were huddled together in deep conversation. Melody couldn't help but overhear the conversation. “All those hunting parties that have gone out for their annual Nine Kingdoms Hunting Fest haven't returned for almost a week now,” the little fat man said.

“No, it can't be. Even if the pumpkin monster is still alive, it is still residing in the deserted pumpkin patch right here in the village of Mother Goose. The hunters went completely in the opposite direction,” the woman whispered back. “My son was one of the hunters that left with the first hunting party. It is very unlike him to not send word for a belated return. I fear something terrible might have happened.”

The conversation had also caught Virginia's attention and she began listening too. She turned to the couple and introduced herself.

“Well, hello,” the man greeted with a smile. He held up Virginia's hand to his lips. “I am Lord Humpty Dumpty the Third. I am charmed, I'm sure. This is Mrs. Hillary Muffet. I apologize if we have disturbed your meal.”

“Oh! I thought the first Humpty Dumpty fell off a wall and broke,” Virginia said.

“Well, he did. He broke into a million pieces and none of the king's men could put him back together. But that happened AFTER he married my great grandmother, Rollie Dollie. They had a son. And then HE had a son. And here I am!” The small round man gave a jolly laugh. His stomach jiggling beneath his hands.

“Uh, well. Good thing he fell AFTER, then,” Virginia said hesitantly, at a loss for words. “I couldn't help overhearing that you have hunters who are missing. We are also missing some of our friends recently. I was thinking it might be connected.”

“Oh you poor dear. Were they close friends? I am missing my own son. And I fear for him every night,” the woman announced when she heard Virginia.

“Well, one of them is my father, so yes, I am also very worried,” Virginia explained to them her situation and the odd couple listened intently.

“I do say, my dear... we have quite a mystery on our hands. But I shouldn't worry too much about our great hunters. They can take care of themselves wonderfully. They are our best hunters in the whole county. I am sure they are doing quite well and have just lost track of time,” Lord Humpty Dumpty assured Virginia. “But I do hope you find your father and your friends. Do keep an eye out for our hunters if you might, though. You never do know.” He laughed again. “Come, Mrs. Muffet, I shall walk you back to your home. Good evening Miss Virginia.” He bowed his head and Mrs. Muffet patted Virginia's hand.

“Good night, dearie, and good luck,” Mrs. Muffet said and left with Lord Humpty Dumpty.

Melody had stopped paying attention to the conversation after she’d heard about the pumpkin monster. If she remembered right, there was an awful monster who lived in the Mother Goose town's deserted pumpkin patch. He had a pumpkin for a head and great sharp teeth. He terrorized anyone who was in his patch during the night and most of the time ate the intruders. So if this pumpkin monster is around, I can perhaps get rid of Virginia once and for all, Melody schemed. Yes, I'll put some troll dust into her food later and when she falls asleep I'll drag her into the patch and leave her there. She'll never find her way out.