G/t one-shots and short stories

Sterling Household-Acorns

The Borrowfield family huddled in the cozy confines of their wall. Milton's voice was low but animated as he outlined the afternoon's mission to his attentive brood.

"We will be gathering acorns for Emma," Milton said, his brow furrowed in determination. "She was kind to share her knowledge and supplies with us. Now, we repay her generosity."

"Remember, we move together, and we watch out for one another," Cassia added, her maternal eyes scanning each of her children, from the responsible Agnes to the wide-eyed Finn. The siblings nodded, understanding their task's importance and its dangers.

As they ventured into the backyard, the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. 

Milton led the way, spear at the ready, his sharp eyes scanning for threats. Cassia mirrored his vigilance on the flank, her own weapon poised. Acorns lay scattered across the grass like treasures waiting to be claimed, their brown shells gleaming in the soft light. To the Borrowfields, these were not mere seeds but sustenance, the size of small melons that promised nourishment.

"Look, there's a cluster over there!" Pippin whispered eagerly, pointing towards a bounty beneath an oak's sprawling roots.

"Quietly now," Milton reminded him, even as he shared his son's excitement.

Agnes and Lila moved gracefully, their small hands working deftly to gather the acorns. They synchronized their efforts when they rolled the heavy nuts one by one toward the bag. Finn, his little legs struggling to keep up, pushed with all his might, his face screwed up in determination.

"Good job, Finn!" Lila encouraged, her gentle voice bolstering her brother's spirits.

"Into the bag, carefully now," Cassia directed as she helped hoist an acorn over the rim. The big bag slowly swelled with their foraged goods.

A shadow passed overhead, a bird on the hunt, and Milton tensed, spear lifted. The children froze, but the danger passed, the creature unaware of the tiny family below.

"Let's get these back to Emma," Milton said, satisfied with their haul. Together, they hoisted the hefty bag, shoulders touching, each bearing the weight.

When they arrived at Emma's portion of the wall leading into the basement, Cassia tugged on a string hanging down from a wooden panel. Emma had created this to trigger a doorbell-like system, announcing any friendly arrivals.

"Who is it?" came the muffled voice from the other side, feigning ignorance despite knowing full well who would visit at this hour.

"It's us, Emma," Lila chimed, unable to contain her excitement.

The panel slid open, revealing Emma's smiling face. "My, my, what have we here?" she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling as they fell upon the bulging bag.

"We've brought you acorns, Emma," Pippin said proudly, puffing out his chest a little as he spoke.

"Such a treat! And such fine company," Emma beamed, stepping aside to allow them entry into her cozy abode.

"Thank you, dear friends," Emma continued, her hands clasping over her heart. "Your visits mean more to me than any feast."

Milton set the bag down with a soft thud. "We couldn't forget you, Emma. Not when you've guided us through so much."

Emma wasted no time preparing to work; her movements were practiced and sure. She cracked the acorns with a well-worn stone, deft fingers prying open the shells to reveal the tender meat within. A small fire crackled in a makeshift hearth, carefully enclosed by stones scavenged from the basement area. As Emma stirred a dollop of honey into a tiny iron pan, the Borrowfields' eyes widened at the sight of the golden syrup melting over the heat.