Strawberry Shortcake and the Great Story of Adulthood
Prologue
Written for Retro-Mania.
"When I grow up…" was a daily question for every Strawberry Kids. It wasn't surprising, after all: Even if they already had a lot of responsibilities, they used to daydream about the day when they would be bigger, richer, and more powerful. But it didn't prevent them from doing activities more "proper" for children… like having a sleepover in order to celebrate a birthday.
-When I grow up, I'll be a manager, or a boss, anyway a job in which I could give orders all day long, Peppermint Fizz said. "After all, what's the difference between a kid and an adult? The adult can do anything he wants, and I want to take benefits of it."
The other girls laughed.
-I'm sure I'll be a wonderful sportswoman, Raspberry Torte added.
-And I'll be the biggest pastry chef in the world! Angel Cake shouted.
-Personally, Blueberry Muffin (who was turning eight years old) said, "I'd like to be a famous writer."
-Luckily for you, we made a gift of notebooks and pens to you for your birthday, Strawberry Shortcake said with a smile.
-And you'll certainly be! Orange Blossom cried. "According to me, I hope I'll invent new kinds of fruits juices I'll sell everywhere in the world. What about you, Lemon Meringue?"
-I don't know yet… I love fashion design.
-That's quite obvious, Peppermint Fizz sighed.
-I'll become a veterinarian and I'll sail the seven seas to look after the endangered marine animals, Rainbow Sherbet decided.
-I'll be the greatest engineer of all time! Ginger Snap cried.
If Huckleberry Pie had been here, he would have said: "I want to have a job with a lot of action, like fireman, or adventurer!" And Apple Dumplin', who couldn't talk yet, couldn't give her opinion.
-What about you, Strawberry Shortcake? Orange Blossom asked. "What do you want to be when you grow up?
-When I grow up… Strawberry Shortcake said thoughtfully, "When I grow up, I'd like to be happy."
All the kids stared at the stars shining in the night. Adulthood seemed to be so far… they were only innocent and carefree children… They had the time…
To be continued. The story has only just begun!
