S 66 S
The Basement
“The boy is dying,” said Mrs. Natterbeak, wiping away tears from
her bill.
“We know,” said Rupert the Goat, glumly. “But what you propose
would mean the final death for us.”
“She is aware of that,” chimed in Bunni Rabbit. “But…the boy’s
love brought us to life. It would be an honor to lay down our lives in
his service.
“I agree!” bellowed Anoni the Moose. “To die for him is the least
we can do. And if we can save his life, even more gladly do I go to my
End!”
“Fine,” said Rupert. “That just leaves Phil.”
Four pairs of eyes wandered to the corner where a chubby bear
dressed in overalls kept vigil over the only being who had ever hugged
him.
“Anything for the boy!” Phil growled in his thick Russian accent.
“Then we have not a moment to waste!” exclaimed Mrs. Natterbeak.
“Pay close attention. Once I have recited the incantation, we shall have
only minutes to exact vengeance upon the boy’s parents. We will, in
fact, be transformed from our present state as mere stuffed playthings
into actual animals we are meant to represent. Apart from our short
window of opportunity, there are two things I’d like to mention.”
“One…at least one of the culprits should be finished off outside,
so as to ensure that help does indeed arrive in time to save the boy.
And two…whomever decides to do this must be aware of the conse-
quence. Once the spell runs its course, we will cease to exist as we
are now. We will only be playthings, but no longer will we be able to
communicate with the boy…or with each other.”
