Apple was having his pudding. Today was different. Instead of chocolate pudding, he was eating carrot and chocolate pudding. He had ordered carrot, something he had never done before. Last night he dreamt of carrots. In his dream, it felt like someone was saying it directly into his face or ears. The word had pressed close. Carrot. Again. Carrot.
Midway through eating, he stared at the door, expecting Straw to be there by now, but she was not.
"She usually makes it on time. What is keeping her?" he mumbled and continued to eat.
He scooped another spoon into his mouth, slower this time. He chewed. Swallowed. Looked at the door again. Nothing. His fingers tapped lightly against the bowl. The pudding was sweet but the carrot taste lingered at the back of his tongue. He swallowed hard.
