Pom has important news!
“The portals are open,” cried Pom. “The portals are open!” He ran down the flippy-floppy steps nearly tripping over his long fluffy ears.
Along Rony Trail, the flowers were singing their melodious song and the butterflies hummed in harmony while fluttering in a delicate dance. Pom’s heart leaped with joy and ached to join in with the regular forest festivities. Now wasn’t the time! ‘The portals are open,’ he told himself. He had to tell the others in the village.
Past the break in the trees, nestled in the middle of the forest, the quiet village rested.
Pom dashed into the middle of the market square where a tall bell tower stretched, although a bit slanted, toward the blue sky above.
Skidding to a halt at the feet of Humphrey, the town-crier, Pom huffed and puffed and wheezed.
Other than a large peering eye looking quizzically down at Pom, Humphrey didn’t budge. Gripped in his enormous hand rested the long rope that led all the way up to the large bell at the very top.
Pom gulped, his heart racing, pat-a-pat, beneath his fluffy paw.
“What seems to be your hurry, Pom, dear friend?” Humphrey leaned forward, the chair moaning in protest.
“You have to tell the others.” Pom’s throat ached from huffing and puffing. Finally, his breath had slowed.
“Tell the others?” One fuzzy eyebrow raised up.
Pom and Humphrey looked across the open market. Dust swirled through the vacant square. A dog barked somewhere in the distance.
Pom turned his attention back to the town crier. He stood as straight as he could. “Tell them the portals are open.” He grabbed a handful of Humphrey’s pant leg.
Humphrey’s brow arched high. A twinkle in his eyes shimmered. And a smile grew so big his cheeks mounded like hills in the green meadow.
Humphrey stood tall as he yanked on the long rope.
BONG – BONG!
“Hear ye, hear ye, gentle citizens of Rony Village. As of this morning, a notice from Pom the Messenger has arrived. The portals are open! I repeat, the portals are open!”
BONG – BONG!
Pom’s whiskers twitched and his tummy fluttered. He took a hop closer to Humphrey.
“Snuggle closer.” He pulled Pom snugly up against his legs.
Creek.
Thwap.
“Here they come,” said Humphrey.
Doors flew open and out poured the villagers. With songs on their lips and work in their hands, the village was alive with the hustle and bustle of people, cleaning, washing, and scrubbing. Hammers at work and brooms finding the dust and sweeping where dust must go. Three children rushed past them, giggling as they chased each other.
“It’s been a long while since the portals were opened.” Humphrey patted Pom on the head. “I guess the problem has been fixed, then?”
Joy swelled in his chest as he grinned. “I don’t know about that, but with them being open again then it means we get to serve our customers again.” Pom’s ears dropped by his face.
“Oh no,” he said.
“What is it?” Humphrey tilted his head, his lips pressed together.
“I gotta go help Flora. She will need my help.” Pom hopped away, turning quickly to wave to Humphrey.
“Thank you for bringing the wonderful news.” He waved in return.
Pom dashed away across the market, disappearing around the corner.
TO BE CONTINUED…
