THE MONDAY AFTER
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Danny Phantom, Butch Hartman does.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story takes place soon after the events in my previous two stories, "Fenton Family Secrets" and "Fenton Family Feud", both available on Cheers!
P.S. The whole mold idea came to me during a seminar I attended on Mold Litigation Issues June 25, 2005. Truly fascinating! Who knew legal educational seminars could be so inspirational!
PROLOGUE: THE SECRET LIFE OF MOLD
The Stachybotrys Chartarum (atra) had been growing slowly and steadily in the basement of Casper High, quietly minding its own business. Born from a slow leak that went unnoticed for nearly two weeks, the slimy, greenish black crud silently inched its way up the wet drywall in a dark, dank corner. When Vice Principal Lancer descended into the basement to do his bi-monthly meat inventory, the musty odour gave the mold's existence away. Once discovered, the leak in the pipe was repaired, and the smelly black mold was scrubbed off the wall and floor with industrial strength bleach. The pungent liquid stung, burned. Stachy screamed in agony as parts of it melted away and other parts were scraped with a hard brush, but no one heard its cries.
One day, Stachy thought bitterly. One day I will return and have my revenge on he who injured me. One day
Time passed. Despite the repair of the damaged pipe, and being very nearly cleaned out of existence, the mold had hope: the water damaged floor and drywall had not been replaced, and so, in time, Stachy blossomed to life once again. Barely existing on slightly moist drywall and dust alone, it painstakingly renewed itself with each passing day. And, though it lived, the mold was frustrated with its own slow progress and its desire for vengeance grew.
If only, Stachy thought morosely, if only I had more food . . .