CHAPTER 10

My outright sprinting turns to a jog in a minute. I run to the spot where I first found Franklin, but I can't see him. "Franklin!" I whisper loudly. "Hello?"

No reply.

I continue to search around the trees when I spot him - his back turned towards me. I jog up to him and tap him on the back. He jumps instantly and spins around. "Cock-a-doodle-doo! Oh, it's just you. Now, I'm imitatin' chickens. Oh, the shame…"

I start to laugh a little. It was pretty funny. I then slide the knife and fork out of my pants, causing Franklin to freak out, and to fanatically start looking around for something to defend himself with.

"Hey, what're you planning to do with that knife and fork? I knew it! You traitor! You...CARNIVORE!"

"No man, they're for you."

He instantly stops panicking. "Huh? Are they for me? Really? Wow! Thank you. Thank you! In the wrong hands, these are deadly!" He then stores them away and breathes a sigh of relief.

"Whew. They're safe now. Here... It's not much, but I'd like you to have this harvest mirror. I hope you like it."

He hands me a leaf - which I'm guessing is the mirror.

"Oh, thanks!"

Franklin smiles. "Do me another favor, will you? Don't tell anyone about this hiding place. OK? See ya!"

I nod, then start to run away. "Oh wait!" I say. I turn around and hand him the sandwich I stole. "You probably are hungry." As I hand it to him, his eyes light up.

"Oh, thank you!"

I nod at him, we exchange smiles, and then I leave…

The rest of the day is pretty ordinary. I hang by the fountain, listening to the music, eating a sandwich or an apple here or there. I end up just eating some grapes every once in a while, just something for my mouth to do. I talk to my friends and neighbours that stop by and talk about anything really. Like, what could've happened to the main course, what whoever to do whoever, the new furniture they got, really anything. That's when Officer Copper comes.

"Hello, Decco!" He says, saluting me.

"Hey!" I say, saluting back with a smile.

"How's your head?"

I then remember my head wound. I take off my horn hat and touch the back of my scalp. The nerves sting a bit, but other than that it's healed over completely.

"It's actually a lot better! I mean, I'm not constantly bleeding anymore, I haven't violently puked from the pain in a few days and I've been told I'm gonna end up becoming dumb only three times today, so that's good." I say, placing my hat back on.

"That's good. Decco, I came by to say that Rollo has been taken away today. They've taken him to a mental asylum."

I say nothing, but my thoughts say everything. Things like "That's what he deserves" and "Will he ever come back?" I guess my thoughts changed my expression, because Officer Copper walks up closer, and says "Remember, he can't get you."

I nod understandingly, and he nods back. He then turns away and walks.

"Hopefully…" I mutter.

Sitting on a rock, staring at the harvest moon. I'm thinking about Rollo, what they're doing to him right now, and what he's doing.

"What're they doing to you..." I whisper.

I hear the chime on my mailbox start. Ba-doo, ba-doo.

I immediately leap up and run to my mailbox. Mail doesn't get delivered this late at night! Must've been a special delivery... I open the mailbox, and it electronically puts the flag down, the light stops blinking, and the time stops. I pull out the envelope, and turn it over and look at the back.

It's from my mother! She replied! She actually wrote back...

I slowly open the envelope – I want to rip it out, but I intend to keep this letter for later.

Dearest child,

Since I've cast aside your father I have missed you all so much. Certain events have compelled me to continue my travels. One day, when you're older, you will learn all about the people I have befriended and the dangers I have faced. At times the world can seem an unfriendly and sinister place, but believe me, when I say that there is much more good in it than bad. All you have to do is look hard enough. And what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events may, in fact, be the first steps of a journey. I hope to have you back in my arms soon, darling, but in case this letter arrives before my return, know that I love you. It fills me with pride to know that no matter what happens in this life, that you will take care of yourself and others, with kindness and bravery and selflessness, as you always have. And remember one thing, my darling, and never forget it: that no matter where I am, know that as long as you have your friends, then you have your family. And you are home.

Your mother

Tears drip down my face, and I wipe them away before anyone can see me. Just when I really needed it, my mother finally wrote back...

I read it over and over. It sticks in my mind... "At times the world can seem an unfriendly and sinister place, but believe me, when I say that there is much more good in it than bad."

"Know that as long as you have your friends, then you have your family. And you are home." I say to myself. I smile, and hold the message to my chest, and smile even more.

"Thank you..." I whisper.