All Good Children Deserve Pie

All Good Children Deserve Pie

        “Now listen well children, today’s story is about why we must listen to our parents.” I looked around the small room at their eager faces. They were sitting on the floor on a large round rug. The children started talking amongst themselves and the room was filled with chatter. “No talking, show me good listening skills. This story is not out of a book, but a tale that has been handed down through my family.” I once again reminded the children to quiet down. The library was small and had room just for the younger readers. Walls painted to look like the sky with clouds and birds. The large window was open and the warm summer breeze swept through the room.

        “Once upon a time,” all good fairy tales started the same. “In a small village whose name is now forgotten, lived an old witch named Halvena. Her cottage was in the deepest part of the forest, where the trees stood like giants. Moss and ivy covered the stones it was made of; surrounding the cottage was wild flowers. Halvena’s garden was quite large and well attended. The air smelled of honey suckle and lilacs, and sometimes pie. Halvena’s pies were special and made with a secret ingredient.”

        I stopped for a moment, enjoying how big their eyes had grown. “The secret ingredient was naughty children of the village. When a child would not listen to their parents, Havana would get them.”

        The room was silent and you could hear the sounds of the birds outside. “In the village were two very naughty children, Danika and Abel. Every day they found new ways to misbehave, brother and sister who loved playing pranks on the whole town. Every day they would vandalize property and run wild like untamed beasts. The villagers were horrified by the behavior and demanded justice. Their parents tried to punish them, but they would not listen. On the day of the summer festival, Danika and Abel pulled their meanest prank ever. They ran into the village and claimed there was a fire. Everyone left the festival to help. When they were all gone, these two children destroyed everything in sight. Decorations, food and anything they could get their hands on. This time the villagers wanted to get justice for themselves.”

        I took a cool sip of water. While I had been talking the children had moved closer to me. “Abel and Danika’s parents told the village not to worry, that they had a plan. The next day they asked their children to go and visit the old woman Halvena. They were told that Halvena had some extra vegetables for sale.”

        I looked down at the picnic basket next to the rocking chair I was sitting in. The basket was large and a checkered cloth peeked through the top. Frequently the children had eyed the basket, wondering what goodies were inside.

        “The children only went after being promised a reward for going. Greedy children always expect rewards for the deeds. Danika and Abel and knocked on the door. “Come in children, I was expecting you,” Halvena opened the door. They came in and looked around. The cottage was one large room; in the middle was a great table that was covered in flour and other cooking supplies. Small round windows brightened the space and neatly made bed was placed under a window. A water pump came out of the dirt floor with a bucket beneath the spout. There was a small table with a bowl for washing beside it. Hanging from the wooden beams were herbs being dried out to store them later. A large shelf was filled with jars of berries and vegetables for the winter. They also noticed a large fireplace, but it was not being used. 
       
        Danika spoke, “Our parents sent us here for some of your vegetables. Do you have them ready?”
   
        Halvena replied, “Oh, yes children. You wait in here and I will fetch them.”

        Halvena left and the children began snooping around. They did not hear her return, Halvena held two large sacks and a large staff. The staff was made of oak the end had been carved into a bear. She threw the sack on Abel first, he instantly began to fight. The sack shook and his limbs created strange bumps. Halvena struck the sack with her staff and it slumped over. Danika screamed, but Halvena quickly threw the other sack on her as well. Muffled sobs came through and Halvena beat the sack, every blow a sickening thump until Danika was quiet. She attached two nooses to the wooden beams. Next the children were hung by their feet and two large bowls place underneath. Abel woke up and his face was red and horrified, his throat was slit before he could say a word.  Blood gushed out filling the bowl. Halvena repeated this with Danika; after their blood was drained the bodies were taken down. Halvena would be busy getting the best fat and meat off of their bones.  Not long after the sweet smell of pie filled the air.”

          “Now children, remember it’s only a story.”

          All the children’s eyes were filled with terror and a few with tears. I picked up the picnic basket and set it on my lap. “I know this story was scary so I brought a surprise for all of you.”

        Smiles grew on their faces, how quickly children forget their own fear. I brought a beautiful pie with a crust that was woven and golden brown. Delicious aromas filled the room and I cut out pieces and the children passed them around.

        “Good children deserve pie”, in her mind she thought, "Naughty children get seconds".

        This pie contained one secret ingredient, a particular bratty kid named David. I looked over at the children gobbling up the treat.  One chubby child was happily chewing away, his lips smacking with every bite. Red pie filling dribbled down his chin. I looked at the children and wondered who would be next.