Awakening

By Tom Minder

Walden slept peacefully on Easter eve. Other children lay thinking of chocolate eggs, Peeps, and stuffed bunnies, but his parents insisted on healthier treats. Easter morning he examined the basket: a carob egg, vegan candy.

He opened a small packet expecting Rain Forest trading cards. Instead, Ryan Howard, holding a Louisville Slugger, smiled back. There were cards with other heroes, too. He opened a multicolored package: a tall chocolate bunny. Walden broke off the head and gobbled it in several bites. He smiled at his parents. Chocolate teeth, chocolate tongue, chocolate lips.

River looked at Prudence. “Sorry. Had to try it.”