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I dragged the child through the forest by his grubby ankle. He howled and grasped at passing tree roots, but I gave him a sharp-hooved kick. I’d not tolerate his misbehaving ways. No, not I.
“Let me go,” he begged.
I flattened my ears and bared my teeth, newly sharpened for the occasion. I hung him upside down, my tail wrapped around one bare foot like a python. Quick as spit, I used my claws to peel off his clothes, and I tossed the rags into the fire. He wouldn’t be wearing those again. They were as grimy as he, so rank that a skunk would pinch its nose and flee.
Tired of his pleading and threats, I stuffed the flailing child into my pot and slammed down the lid. The worst of the ordeal was over but for the boulder to keep the youngster inside. That I’d planned in advance, and I used my knees when hefting it onto the lid. Earlier that afternoon, I’d prepared the kettle with an aromatic blend of woodland herbs mixed with salts and plenty of water for a long stew. Nothing less would do in this particular case. The parents insisted the lad was “tough.”
“Let me out, please,” the child cried and blubbered, but I didn’t care. His parents had given up and offered him to me, wanting no details regarding what I’d do to him. I sorted out the fire, pushing the embers closer to the pot. Not boiling, but hot enough to have him done by dinnertime. I placed a delectable casserole near the heat and satisfied, squatted on a rock. There was nothing left to do but wait.
“It’s dark in here,” the lad griped. “And it’s getting hot.”
I ignored the complaints until they fell silent, frittering my afternoon away with grooming while anticipating my supper. I combed my long beard and polished my horns, taking utmost pride in my appearance. Unlike one germ-ridden, flea-bitten child. Every now and then, I tossed a stick on the fire.
When the sun slid behind the autumn leaves, I knocked the boulder from the lid and peeked inside. The aroma was delicious, and the child perfectly done, his skin rosy and wrinkled. I wrapped my tail around his skinny body, lifted him from my pot, and set him on a level stone.
He glowered at me. “You’re mean.”
“And you’re clean.” I shooed his little naked self away. “Off with you. Scamper home to your parents. My casserole is done and so is your bath.”
***
I hope you enjoyed the story.
For those who celebrate the holiday, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
See you in December!
❤
Myths of the Mirror 
Hahaha – lovely! 😀
Very well done (if you’ll excuse the pun).
Hope you’re having a great day.
Robert.
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Thanks so much for reading. This was a fun one to write, Robert. I just wanted to mislead everyone. Lol. Have a great day. 🙂
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You’re welcome – glad we both enjoyed it. Yesterday was a good day. Today will be great. Enjoy! 🙂
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Very Nice 🌸
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Thanks for stopping by to read. I had fun misleading everyone with this story. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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Oh, I loved this! You are such a wonderful wordsmith!
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Thank you. A very silly story, but so fun to trick everyone into thinking the child was dinner. Ha ha. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Happy New Year!
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It’s funny because from my perspective I have a little 7 month old baby girl and I could “just eat her up!” Hahah – but not for dinner! Loved the read, the twist, and the relief of the ending: a clean child! Lol
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Especially those little toes. They look positively tasty! Lol
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Hehe! That was such fun, Diana! 😁 Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving! ❤
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I did. Without children on the menu – just turkey. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Pretty fun misleading everyone. Lol. Thanks for the visit, Sarah. ❤
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You got me on this one, Diana. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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I’m glad I got you. We had turkey (not simmered children) for Thanksgiving. Lol. I hope yours was full of feasting and fun, Teri. Now on to prepping for the next holiday!
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Oh wow, lol. Completely threw me off 😂
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Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I wouldn’t actually cook a child, even in fiction. 🙂 It was fun misleading everyone with this story. Happy December!
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That was so awesomely, misleading and brilliant!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kevin. It was fun misleading everyone and then flipping the story on its head. Thanks so much for the visit and Happy Writing!
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Alwasy love your work!!!
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Whew! I was mighty scared of what was coming, there for a minute!
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Well, I loved leading everyone on. 🙂 It was fun running straight into the horror of it all, only to flip it around. I’m glad I had your fooled. Happy Writing!
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lol, those boys can be very hard to clean…
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Trent. This was so fun to write. And I misled a few readers – which was the point. Happy December!
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I was wondering up until the twist – I’m sure you did have fun.
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Nothing like a well-cooked kid. Muha-ha! 😀
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Ha! I would never. But it was fun making everyone think I would! Thanks for the visit, Kevin. I hope you got a laugh at the end. 🙂
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I love stuff that brings out the worst thoughts. Lmao!
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Such a fun story, Diana. Some recipes are just weird 😉
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Ha. This one would have been a bit horrifying if it didn’t end up with a twist. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Happy December!
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When I read the title for your post, I said, “Oh oh.” While reading, I kept saying, “No, no, she won’t do it…”
And you didn’t! 🙂 Thank you.
I love your imagination and creative heart. Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend, Diana. 🙂
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I would never consider going there, but I wanted you to think I might. 🙂 It’s a ghastly build-up, but only to get to the twist and hopefully a laugh. Thanks for reading, Mary, and happy writing!
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🙂 Happy writing! I had confidence and did laugh.
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I so did not see the twist coming at the end! I was composing my comment in my head as I read, and I had to throw it out. I was completely invested in a horrific tale!!
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It was horrible, wasn’t it? I had so much fun writing it, Liz, and of course, I knew the end and played up to it. I’m glad you didn’t need to use your original comment – I wouldn’t do that to you. Happy December and Happy Writing!
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😀
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I just read your story. The day after Thanksgiving. And I shivered as I read it, my stomach roiling, and then I said to myself “But it’s Diana, trust her.” Then I read the ending, laughed BUT I also shouted out loud (to you): YOU’RE MEAN!!!!!
🙂 Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, my friend. ❤
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I almost titled the story, Thanksgiving Dinner, but didn’t want to pin it down. I loved torturing you all with my build-up, horrible little creature that I am. Ha ha. I’m glad you had a laugh at the end. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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“Thanksgiving Dinner” – you are too much (although there’s never too much of a good thing). 🙂
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May I say that I am grateful for that twisted happier ending! Lol, wow, that was some kind of suspense Diana! Happy Thanksgiving! ❤
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Thanks, Debby. It was a fun story to write and I loved fooling everyone. And I’d never actually cook a child, even in fiction. Ha ha. Happy December!
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Lol, I know, that’s why I found the writing so out of your natural character, but the end it all made sense. Great suspense! 🙂 Happy December to you too! x
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I love this story, and the twist at the end. Thank you for posting it.
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Thanks for reading! It was a fun story to write, knowing that I was misleading everyone. Lol. Have a wonderful day and start to the holiday season. Happy Writing!
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I loved it! In fact, I have written something in the same line, so while reading I was having this amazing feeling of being connected to someone’s mind. Great twist in the end too. You are always excellent, Diana!
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Lol. I’ve been having that feeling too with another blogger who’s been writing about Chaos, lately. The parallels are a little too freaky. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Basilike. That’s a wonderful compliment. Have a beautiful day, my friend. ❤
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You too, my dear!
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You know, just for a minute there…:D I love stories with a twist, and this one really had me going. Bravo!
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Awesome. I would never actually cook a child, even in a story. Lol. But it was fun to fool everyone and go on fooling right up to the end. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy Writing, my friend.
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You did indeed! lol Happy Thanksgiving. 🙂
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Wonderful twist 🙂 Was half expecting the child to be Thanksgiving dinner!
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I almost titled the piece Thanksgiving Dinner, Louise. Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed the twist. It was a blast to write. I hope you have a wonderfully creative day. 😀 Happy Writing!
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A beast of a story, Diana! Clever….
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I hope you were horrified and fooled until the end. Lol. Thank you for the visit and comment, Steve. Have a lovely day. 🙂
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I was both, Diana, but persevered, thinking ‘surely not!’
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That was a great story, Diana! Happy Thanksgiving. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Jennie. I think this child learned his lesson, and his parents will be delighted. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Have a wonderful day. ❤
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I think so, Diana. 🙂 Best to you!
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Love it! 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Bette. I wouldn’t actually write a story about cooking children. Ha ha. This one was a lot of fun to pen. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy Maine Thanksgiving!
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:Well done! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours…get those kids in the tub tonight… 🙂 xo
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Wonderful flash fiction as ever, Diana.
Seems you’ve written an awful lot of it over the years. Ever considered compiling it into one book? I’m certain you could come up with a clever name to tie it all together; and you’d certainly have a ready audience.
Just saying…
Happy Thanksgiving!
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I’ve thought about it, Erik. I have well over a hundred pages of flash fiction and halfway decent poems. I figure another year will give me enough that I can weed out the… weeds. 🙂 But that’s down the road. I’ve started editing the next trilogy and would like to get that one out sometime in 2020. Phew to that! Then, who knows. Thanks for the visit, my dear friend. I hope you have wonderful Thanksgiving plans with family, friends, or both. ❤
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So cute. Wishing you a beautiful holiday, Diana.
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Thanks, JD. It was a fun one to write. I enjoyed misleading everyone. Ha ha. Thanks for the holiday wish. Whether in the US or not, I hope the season is filled with gratefulness for you too. ❤
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What a lovely story. Happy Thanksgiving Diana 🙂
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Thank you, Arlene. I’m so glad you enjoyed this. A little scary at the beginning, but hopefully a laugh at the end. Have a wonderful week and thank you for the holiday wish. ❤
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This is wonderful, Diana. Well done! You’re such a wonderful story-teller of olde tyme fables. I was completely hooked and fooled. 🙂
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Thanks, Steven. I never though of this as a particular style, but you’re right. And I have sooo much fun writing these. Hmmm. I’m glad you were fooled. (Snicker snicker). Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, my friend. ❤
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I think you could write a series of these fables quite successfully. I can see how much fun they would be to write. Have yourself a wonderful Thanksgiving. 🙂
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He’ll think twice before getting that dirty again. Great story, Diana. A good chuckle.
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Thanks, Anneli. I think you’re right. That kid is going to sparkle from this day forward. I’m glad you got a laugh from the story. Have a great afternoon and happy start to the holiday season.
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Lol, that should have taken a few years off that kid’s life!
Happy Thanksgiving, Diana 🙂
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Ha ha ha. Your comment made me crack up, Jacquie. Yeah, he’s not going to complain about taking a bath ever again. 🙂 Thanks for the visit and Thanksgiving wish. The same blessings to you and yours, my friend. ❤
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I wasn’t at all sure where that was going, Diana – you had my stomach tieing itself in knots and my mind saying surely not – and then you came clean – well the kid did. My best to you and yours at Thanksgiving from that Englishman in the UK.
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It’s pretty horrible most of the way through, isn’t it? Lol. I love toying with readers. But I can’t hurt kids, even in stories, so the silly ending was inevitable. Thanks for the Thanksgiving best, Eric. It’s my favorite holiday. Happy Writing.
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Wow. So creepy. Loved the twist!
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Thanks! I tried to make it sort of awful, so I could turn it completely upside down. I haven’t decided whether to read it to my gentle-hearted grandson. It may be too scary. 🙂 Have a Happy Turkey Day.
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Your grandson might flee if he ever sees a large cooking pot on your stove. :0)
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😀
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wow! What A story, I just knew he was dinner ,but then I thought maybe its a creature who eats children- but I was delighted in the end to know he was clean. You got me good, -oh so good on you loved it
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Great story, Diana! Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving. ❤️
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Jill. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Happy a wonderful Thanksgiving with you and yours. ❤
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❤
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Delightful! Love it!👌♥️
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Thank you. A rather silly ending after a menacing start. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a beautiful day. ❤
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I decided to come and see what you do and was delighted by this tale… Would never have thought to use a grimy child to flavour my soup… but then again, I don’t have hooves and horns… 😉
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I think the casserole was more to the narrator’s liking, and the sparkly clean kid was a side job. Ha ha. Thanks for the visit, Dale. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. It was a fun one to write. Happy Thanksgiving. 🙂
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Ha ha! I hear ya. Love it.
As a Canadian, mine was last month, but a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Diana!
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Thanks. So hard to keep track of who lives where! Lol. It’s my favorite holiday.
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Don’t I know it! 😉
It seems to be the fave of most Americans 😉
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Diana, love this! A terrific, detailed build-up and the ending makes the story! I’m imagining the sparkling clean child dashing back to his parents, never to refuse a bath again! Have a lovely Thanksgiving, my friend! 😀❤️
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Ha. Yes, sparkling clean and smelling like soup. I’m glad you enjoyed the story and were able to stick with the potential horror to the end. Thanks for the holiday wish, Annika. Have a wonderful day, and Happy Writing.
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Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! ❤
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Well, I don’t know, Diana. Am I going to be the only one to say I was disappointed at the ending? Does that make it obvious I’m a parent…?
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Ha ha ha. Yeah, the poor parents get this one back in the end, Mick. But clean and smelling like soup! Thanks so much for stopping by to read. I’m sorry the story was so disappointing. Lol. Happy Writing!
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Thanks, Diana. It was actually a great twist.
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I wondered where the story was going and you gave it the perfect ending.
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Thanks, Len. I couldn’t actually let my character cook a child. Ha ha. I’m glad I kept you wondering up until the end. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. 🙂
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Delicious!! I mean wonderful!
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Ha! I’m glad you enjoyed it, Violet. I have no idea where these stories come from. 🙂 It seemed like a good one for the coming holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Ha! This is a delight, Diana. You drew me in so completely. I loved the vanity of the… horned guy. Happy Thanksgiving. Hugs on turkey wings!
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I’m glad I kept you in the dark until the end, Teagan. It was kind of horrible up until that point. Ha ha. Have a lovely Thanksgiving, my friend. See you in December!
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Ha, ha. Very clever story Diana. I’m grateful for the chuckles and promise to be a good lad. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Thanks, Brad. I had a blast writing this one. Yes, take your baths like a good lad, or else! 🙂 Enjoy your Thanksgiving, my friend.
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Ha, ha. Enjoy your family, food, and feast.
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Wonderful story ☺️ Have a happy Thanksgiving – full of food and loved ones ❤️
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Thanks, Theresa. I’m glad you enjoyed the silly story. No eating children for Thanksgiving. 😀 Have a wonderful holiday yourself.
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