The Pumpkin Soup

I was a simple girl who lived in a shabby shack. The roof leaked every time it rain , the walls were thin and the floor, well, there was no flooring to begin with. Nevertheless, it was a good shelter still. No complaint. I was poor and alone, couldn't asked for more than that to be grateful for what I had. Until the fateful night came...

The night the moon shining high in the sky and floating gracefully amidst the star. It was a peaceful night, I was sleeping quite intently whence suddenly a distinct noise roused me. It was coming from the outside so I took a peek on the hole in the wall. I saw a shadow of a figure trotting on the ground. Assuming from the silhouette 'it' had a long fluffy tail. It was clumsy, it wobbled and tripped few times as it crept closer to the shack. A panic alarm went off ringing in my mental ear! I sprung up off the bed and quickly grabbed *something like a candle and it was. Lit it up and standing in a fighting stance! I can't quit shuddering at the thought of a monster on the loose. The rumors had been going on for weeks! Live stock was found mutilated in every gruesome way! Although, no human casualty been reported YET. I was in a danger situation, the unwelcome creature knew it as it blocked the doorway on all four ready to pounce me! Behind the moon, its shadow grew bigger and sinister like. It was intense....

A fox?! I was dumbfounded and the only thing came to mind was do they eat human? I panicked because I don't know. Obviously, I survived and the unidentified master became a house guest! 'It' can talk quite profusely(*only in this tale). It has a given name as Hillary and it is very well mannered. The fox-Hillary seemed really exhausted, the human had been trying to catch it! She asked to spend the night in the shack for she has nowhere else to go. I wasn't going to agree at first but she was tired and rather desperate that I obliged. The next first dawn, I was shocked to find Hillary and another two 'mini-Hillaries'. It seemed that the reason for her exhaustion and desperation was due to her condition to labour. The fox Hillary must had given birth to her pups while I was sleeping. She was quickly to apologize for the mess she made and my fear only increased when an idea of two extra mouth to feed! Hillary quickly promised me that fox eat meats but not of human flesh but field mouse and wild rabbits. However, I still doubt her because everyone know what happened to Red Riding Hood (*obviously got confused between a wolf and a fox). I told her I trusted her if only she told me earlier of her situation!

Week went by, the cubs grew up into strong handsome foxes. I enjoyed their company, It can be quite lonesome staying alone on the edge of the village. They are my only friends I could talk to. I was really grateful to Hillary, she taught me a lot of things! She taught me how to speak better, the general knowledge tht all human needs to know and how to write(*laugh). I'd even became attached to the pups, I am their godmother. One day, Hillary and the pups decided to move out. It was a sad day for both parties. I couldn't bear to separate with them, life had been hard but its only natural for them wild things to be free. I asked them to come visit me sometime and they promise they will. Before they left, Hillary gave me some Pumpkin seeds and she told me they were magical. The pups told me that one day I will be taken care of like a queen. They thanked me me for all the things I had done for them and She and it had been my greatest pleasure to be of any help to them. I planted those pumpkin seed, its not much but at least I'll be getting pumpkins from time to time!

After a week, the old shack was covered by Pumpkin's vines. Like magic, it twirled in multifolds around like a wrapping. Suddenly, I felt like Cinderella, anytime now a pumpkin will pops out and turn into a carriage and whisked me off to a better place! I wished I was! Cinderella had a Fairy Godmother and I have a single Pumpkin. As the pumpkin turned yellow I decided to harvest it. Disappointed that nothing magical happened(*Expecting a fairy god mother to pops out of the blue or gold spilling out..) exasperated, I tried to make some pumpkin soup instead. It was a beautiful golden day and to enjoy the early autumn I decided to cook outdoors.

Suddenly, I saw Hillary and her pups running towards the house. They did come to visit! Hooray! However, they seemed more of terrified than elated as I was. They yelled 'hunters' and hurried inside the shack. Blood drained from my face, the thought of hunters killing my only friends only made me more nervous! I ran and slammed the door shut, hopefully their scent was not caught by the blood hounds! Not long after, men on horses galloped their way towards us. There were keen on their faces and determination. They were not ordinary hunters or this was any ordinary sports. It was a royal event for the princes' becoming of man. They were looking for Fox Blood...

Between The leader Prince (6'5") and a little peasant girl (5'2") its nothing more than between a powerful landlord and his lowly servant. I bowed down before a man that look more magnified than the rest. I showed him respect and loyalty. He wanted to ask but it came out as a demand if I had saw a fox. I told him, I saw one not long ago and lied to him next that it went away to another direction. I felt bad for lying that I couldn't stop myself from telling him whether I saw earlier on was truly a fox. I can't quit mumbling on that I may be mistaken and my memory may not be any good with me being outside in the cold. Even my eyes might be playing tricks on me. The Prince concluded that I was an annoying fool with not much of education. However, he surprised me by laughing it off with his deep throaty manly laugh. He wouldn't believe me as for seriously not knowing what a fox looks like(*for a person who earlier on confused between a fox and a wolf, well of course I already knew). He can't quit chuckling and before I thought he was about to leave he asked politely if he could look around in the shack. I was dumbfounded, before I could reply I saw three men dismount and went into the shack. Meanwhile, in another corner of my eyes I saw Hillary and the cubs moving slowly under the cover of the vines. The vines helped to cover their scent. They got to escape and they are truly smart. It was interesting to see that none of the convoys realized that the foxes are running away right under their noses. It was a great sight to behold. After a thorough check and a nonchalant reaction from the prince he told me I am truly the most rueful girl he had ever come across with. He find it both amusing and interesting. I was honored by his honest comment and took it as a compliment. Again, it made him laughed to see how simple minded I can really be, its refreshing. Before he went away he told me he had never laughed as much as today and asked me what I was cooking, which smell quiet delicious. I simply told him it was Pumpkin Soup. Knowing that, the Prince and his stewards galloped away to the false direction. Once they were out of sight I saw a glimpse of my soul flew away. Hillary came back and told me they were hiding in the woods for now where it is save. They bid their final farewell and they wish me many happy tidings ahead. I smiled and cried at the same time. I told her there's nothing more that I want than meeting them again and to eat this wonderful Pumpkin Soup for supper today (*missed breakfast and lunch, super hungry). We thanked each other and that was the last time I ever saw her again.

It was sunset, when the soup finally ready. I was about to enjoy my Pumpkin Soup when suddenly those familiar galloping hooves on the ground made my heart rendered a faster beat, a little too fast. I feared that the prince knew I was lying. The Prince and his convoys were in a foul mood, They wore it on their solemn face. The Prince's voice boomed through the air as he called out "Peasant girl! You are clearly stupid, aren't you!" made my knee went weak and quickly bowed my head closer to the ground and agreed to whatever he was saying. At that moment my only wished was to be spared so I can eat this lovely pumpkin soup! This foolish trickery of mine would've cost me my head and its not much of a head if I had been any cleverer with my ploy. Nevertheless, the prince didn't kill me because the aroma of the pumpkin soup saved me! They were obviously famish after a long chase! He demanded for some Pumpkin Soup for himself and his men. Slowly, I raised my head and for the first time looking directly at his face and into his eyes. He was really really good looking (*It was not good as my heart beat increased in a brink of bursting a vein). They were bunch of hungry men, I served the Prince first and then to the rest. Hunting down a fox under false information must be tiring and I was responsible for it. Due to guilt I served them all of the Pumpkin Soup, till the last drop. As long as they don't find out the earlier folly I put them into. They enjoyed the soup tremendously and left none for the giver, well I guess that was punishment enough. It was better than going to the gallows.

The Prince was most satisfied with the most excellent Pumpkin Soup he had ever tasted in his entire life (*hohoho I couldn't say it better myself). At first, I thought he was going to appoint me as the Royal Chef in the Palace instead, he took me as his bride for I am the most delightful girl he had ever met (*Like, oh yeah!). It was like I was the greatest catch of the day. I guess he could never guessed that the Pumpkin he liked was given by the only thing he pursued! He didn't get what he wanted but got something better instead! and I was the one who fooled him of the escaped fox. Nevertheless, no harm done and I received my fate as a Queen. Although, I really did want some of that delicious Pumpkin Soup even dear husband is kept asking for it time and again. The End.