Sugar Buzz

“Do you know what I need Dobby? I need some candy.” Writer Lady says. It is early evening, dinner is over and the kitchen has been put back in order. Writer Lady has retired to the living room with a large mug of coffee. She sits on the floor in front of the Christmas tree at eye level with Dobby who lays on the couch dozing. The ginger tabby gazes at her adoringly and listens closely. “You know candy. Supper is over. I have a hot cup of coffee. Candy goes with coffee.”

“I don't know Mom, you've had a lot of sugar today.”

“What makes you say that kitty?”

“I don't know, maybe the way you hogged all of Dylan's toys this morning.” Dobby says.

“Those toys are way cooler than anything I ever had as a kid. Besides I had to make sure they were safe. We don't want the lil' guy to get hurt, do we?”

“You also finger painted until there wasn't any paper left in the house.”

“I'm exploring my creative side.”

“The pillow fight.” Dobby reminds her.

“I'm exploring my pillow fighting side?”

“You had a pillow fight with Furnatche, the pillow got torn open, and there were feathers everywhere all over the wet paintings.”

“The feathers added texture. Everyone loved their Santa paintings.” Writer Lady counters.

“And Dylan's whale painting?”

“We re-titled the piece accordingly it went from being 'The Whale' to being 'One Whale of A Chicken'. I saw you playing in the feathers too Dobby.”

“That's different. I was looking for the rest of the bird.”

Writer Lady looks at Dobby.

“I'm a cat, when there are feathers floating around I must dance through them. You're the mom. You aren't supposed to do those things.”

“What? Have fun?”

“Have kid fun.” Dobby says.

“Haven't you heard the expression, 'Everyone's a child at Christmas'?” Writer Lady asks.

“Don't you want something more for yourself? To do better? To be better?

Writer Lady rolls her eyes, she lays down on the floor underneath the Christmas tree. Dobby jumps down off the couch and crosses the room he looks up seeing what Writer Lady sees.

“Mom, what are you doing?”

“Nothing.” Writer Lady says snapping a picture with her phone. “As she gazed upward she knew the Christmas tree's secret, that it had a shady underbelly of evil hiding within—it was cursed.” Writer Lady says into the phone.

“What are you doing?” Dobby asks again.

Writer Lady taps on her phone. “That?” She asks. “I was writing that time. I'm working on a new story.” She says smiling. “I want this one to have a Stephen King feel to it. Tell me if you've heard this. 'Killer Christmas Trees From Mercury.' What do you think kitty?”

“Mercury is too hot. Trees can't grow there. Why would anyone use Christmas trees to wipe out the human race?”

“Why not use a Christmas tree? It's a fire hazard. Broken ornaments can be dangerous not to mention the icicle shaped ones.” Writer Lady thinks for a minute. “And the tip is really, pointy.”

Dobby runs his paw down his face. “Mom, I love you but you've had way too much sugar today.”

“No I haven't. I want candy! Give me candy! NOW!”

No candy materializes. Writer Lady comes out from underneath the Christmas tree and starts chanting. “Can-dy! Can-dy! CAN-DY!”

Dylan comes into the room, sitting down next to Writer Lady he joins in.

“Can-dy! Can-dy!”

Ray hears the chanting and comes into the room. “What's going on?” He asks.

“We want candy.” Writer Lady says.

“I want some candy too.” Ray says.

“Come help.” Dylan says.

“Duuude.” Ray takes a seat and starts chanting.

The chanting grows loud and insistent.

Dobby runs into the kitchen. Tinkletoes is standing in front of the pantry with an open garbage bag. He is dumping cookies, candy, anything he can find in the bag.

“What are you doing?” Dobby asks.

“Giving them what they want.” Tinkletoes says. He opens a bag of sugar and pours it in too.

“We can't give in.” Dobby says.

“Why not? It'll shut them up.” Tinkletoes says. “Besides this is the fun part.”

Dobby looks at the mercenary.

“Trust me.”

Picking up the bag Tinkletoes takes it into the living and sets it down on the floor in front of the group. “Here's your sugar.”

Writer Lady, Dylan and Ray all dig in. The three make a big mess. Grabbing candy, cookies and fudge from each other's hands. Dobby and Tinkletoes watch quietly. There is a growling noise from the living room and the sound of bodies being thrown around.

“Come on. Let's not get crazy.” Tinkletoes says he starts to walk into the living room then slowly backs away.

Dobby looks at him.

“It's okay. She calmed down. Ray's out of the choke hold.” Tinkletoes looks at his watch, “Fifteen minutes. They have been eating cookies and candy covered with sugar for the last fifteen minutes, this is where the fun starts and our problem ends.”

Writer Lady burps, she pales. Then she throws up in the garbage bag. Dylan and Ray sit there watching. Eating with less and less enthusiasm.

“See no more problem.  It's all fun and games until someone throws up."

"I told her she had too much sugar."