Pugsley slowed and looked out over a dry meadow, with limbs laid out and artfully strewn. He intently listened hardly noticing Wednesday as she burrowed into his shoulder.

Pugsley cupped his mouth and called out, "Is there anybody out there?"

Wednesday felt fear, but Pugsley seemed to hear an answer. He smiled confidently, "Come, Wednesday."

He lifted her left hand and looked down upon a tin foil ring as he led her into the brush. Wednesday pulled her basket closer and widened her eyes, "Pugsley if I follow you I will get stickers on my clothes."

His eyes hardened, "Nonsense, Wednesday I will protect you." He turned and drew her into a path that only he could see, breaking back the weeds as he walked determinedly. Wednesday trembled as she followed.

They heard the ground roil and froth as strange twisted souls with limbs sticking in odd directions emerged from the depths. Pugsley seemed to expect this but Wednesday trembled harder, reminding herself that Pugsley promised to protect her. She muttered soft prayers.

Marred faces greeted the young pair, the leader's face was particularly grim as he tried to look surprised, and spoke quietly, "We have never been visited by your kind." He looked over Pugsley closely and rubbed his broken chin, "Oh it has been two no maybe five years since we have had a visit of any kind."

Pugsley looked grave, "Time is different here, slower I think, sir." The young man nodded, "Only the man that put us here visits. He calls us his pets. We know when he plans to add to our numbers when he brings shovels to soften the dirt."

Wednesday peeked out around Pugsley's arm and piped up, "We came to share tea and listen to your stories." Pugsley stiffened.

The others gathered around all smiles twisting in horrific shapes that could create nightmares. Wednesday gulped and suppressed her revulsion. Pugsley was filled with compassion and a small tear twisted down his cheek.

A table appeared filled with food and tea. They all sat together looking to Pugsley for prayer. The youngest of the group reached out the moment "Amen" was pronounced and Pugsley could not deny his hunger either. They all smiled while Wednesday quietly nibbled at her food.

Pugsley asked, "What is the man who put you here like?"
The leader spoke first, "He is smug. He thinks if he keeps making his white pickup look like a rail truck he will never get caught. So far he is right."

The young man looked teary and hid behind his teacup. His fingers fought to hold the cup upright. Others in the group muttered things about the strange man with the pickup being very strong, or preying on the innocent and being cruel, then a few started to cry out.

Pugsley thought long about what he heard with concern. He finished the meal with them and thanked each one. Wednesday was overcome with pain and chose to kiss each one on the forehead with compassion.

She repeatedly said, "I will not forget you."

As they turned to leave Pugsley surveyed the whole scene and thought proudly of his Wednesday. She was thoughtful.

As they entered the broad dirt road, Pugsley brushed off Wednesday's clothes and spoke carefully, "Their stories touched my heart and rent my soul."

Wednesday reached up and tussled his hair saying, "Dear Pugsley that is what makes you so special." She smiled kindly and they continued their strange journey.