Chapter 6

Joy and Fear

Valerie was pacing back and forth in her hut. She was worried sick thinking about Josh. Josh had left without saying goodbye or even leaving a note. Of course he said he'd write her but its not like there is postal service out in the middle of nowhere. Of course maybe he figured that she was sleeping, and didn't want to wake her. Or maybe he overslept, and didn't have time to do much but get with everyone else going on the trip. Of course maybe he wasn't as into her as she was into him. Maybe he didn't love her. Maybe she was just a good friend.

No she couldn't think about that. What she should be concerned about was if all of the Goombas were okay. It was late afternoon around three o'clock. All of a sudden Valerie heard the sound of paper slide under her door. She looked at a pink envelope that had made its way under her door.

She walked toward the envelope, and picked it up. She saw that it was addressed to her from Josh. She quickly opened her door to see if she could see him out there. There was no sign of Josh anywhere.

"Humph that's odd," she puzzled. "How does he make connections so quickly? I mean its almost like he knows everybody in this world."

She sat down to open the envelope sealed by a fire flower sticker. She pulled the letter out, and read it. After reading it she let it drop to the floor. "He does love me," she started. "Its all right here in this one letter. It's almost like a dream."

Valerie walked over to her radio, and turned it on. She loved music. When she was happy there was nothing better for her to do than just dance, and sing long with the music. She could imagine anything she wanted, there were no more troubles no more fears; just happiness, and she could imagine her with Josh just doing what they wanted together.

"I wonder if Josh is a good singer," she questioned herself. "Why does it matter? Actually it doesn't. I don't care. It would be a plus though. Valerie cool yourself it isn't like you've done anything with him yet, he just admitted he loved you. That's all. First you've got to tell him how you feel. Then you got to wait for him to return, and from there let things play out. She paused. "Why am I talking to myself? She sighed, "I've got issues."

All of a sudden there was a series of three knocks on the door.

"Coming," she hollered as she hid the envelope, and the letter in her neatly made bed. She opened the door. It was General Toadsworth at the door.

"Oh can I help you General?" Valerie asked nervously.

"Well maybe Miss," he began.

"Please do come in General," she said abruptly hoping that this would be a friendly chat.

"Why thank you," Toadsworth said as he walked into the hut, and took a seat at the table.

"So what seems to be your business General?" Valerie asked.

"Well it seems that ten Goombas have slipped off in the same direction towards Shy Guy Mountain, and we are wondering if you knew anything about it," Toadsworth stated.

"What makes you so sure that I would know about it General?" She asked trying to hide her emotions.

"Well not just you, but any of the remaining Goombas. Everyone is being asked by us," Toadsworth stated.

"With all due respect General I know this is your interrogation, but who are you representing when you say "us?"" Valerie questioned. "Are you saying us as in your people or as in his majesty considering himself more than one person due to the fact that he feels he represents the whole damn kingdom?"

"Keep your voice down please Miss for the sake of your own safety," Toadsworth said concerned. "It is true that I am acting on his orders, but it is for the safety of the people I hold close."

"It wouldn't take much for even just one of you to overthrow him," She started. "Without you Toadstools he has nothing."

"I would have considered that a while ago," Toadsworth said. "If we fight him now though it isn't just an attack on him it is an attack on his daughter who happens to be kind young lady."

"So you'd rather would make an attack on the thousands of Goombas who have not rebelled, and tried to keep peace despite being oppressed," Valerie added. "It seems rather hypocritical to me."

"So I take it that even if you knew what was going on you wouldn't tell me." Toadsworth stated.

"Just like you act on behalf of the safety of the people you hold closest, I act on the behalf of the people I hold closest," she said.

"Very well," Toadsworth started. "You know this isn't what I want. You've brought up some very good points, and despite the fact that this will be behind the kings back you deserve it." Toadsworth picked up his radio, "Attention all Toadstools do not take prisoners as instructed prior," he started. "If a Goomba wishes to not comply with the demands simply just walk out. That's an order."

Valerie looked up at the General. She was astounded at his action, but at the same time most grateful. "Thank you," she said graciously.

"Consider this the debt owed to you," Toadsworth began. "Because that's is the most I can do." Toadsworth walked out and closed the door.

Valerie couldn't understand. All of this was so complicated. She knew that this was no easier on the poor General as it was on her. Nothing was right, but she knew that one day everything would work out. It had to; it just had to.

She then remembered Josh's letter. She hurried, and pulled it out from under her covers. She then took out a piece of paper to write a reply.

5/5

Dear Josh,
Upon reading your letter it came as a surprise to me to find you stating your fondness of me. To tell the truth this feeling is the same of that I have for you. I wish you luck on your journey, and I pray that you return safely my love. I am anxious to see you again.
Love always,
Valerie A. Goombetta

Valerie folded the letter neatly, and placed it in a brown envelope, sealing it with a power star sticker. She went outside, and found herself puzzled. "Wait how do I send this to him?" Valerie asked. "Next time I better be ready so whatever brings the mail can bring this to him. That Josh is so thoughtful, but sometimes he doesn't think. I mean who tells someone to deliver a letter, and not have the carrier bring a reply back?" She sighed, "Silly boy."