Juniper's Dream

8. Happy Leaves, or Not?

Juniper gazed out the windows of Anny's shop, watching as the early risers roamed the streets of Tulips Avenue. Though it was still early, she couldn't help but notice how different the capital was from Glimmergrove. Fewer early birds greeted the morning air, and those who did seemed too absorbed in their newspapers to notice anything beyond their own noses.

There was also far too little wildlife roaming around. The birds she could hear tweeting were scarce, and the little rodents she often spotted back home were absent from the blocky streets of Plendorsville. Or perhaps they were too scared to come out? Was there a danger she had failed to pick up on?

She couldn't help but wonder, What else is hidden in the capital? What does this seemingly peaceful town curtain off?

Juniper's gaze settled on a small spider spinning its web by the window. It was tiny, barely visible, blending in so well it could be killed with the lightest blow. She wondered if the spider knew of its own fragility—if it had developed its translucent skin in response. Yet, despite its meekness, the spider crafted its intricate web with care. After all, every life needs a home, and every home needs a host. If only she still had what was once before.

Juniper shook her head until a few scarlet strands escaped from her ponytail. She did not want to think of the past. After all, she had made a pressing decision over night.

She will find out more about the people who took her mother. And she will get her revenge. Soon.

Juniper popped another crunchy blue candy into her mouth, closing her eyes as the sweet and sour flavors exploded on her tongue. The rush was immediate, a jolt of energy that made her feel capable of anything. Indeed, a most liberating feeling. Unfortunately, as quickly as the taste came, it faded, and so too did the euphoria, leaving her grasping for another piece of sweet and sour.

"You look parched, girl," Smaragd said, approaching with a cup of water. "Why don't you drink a little before your throat turns into a desert?"

Juniper eyed the glass, noticing the suspicious white residue at the bottom. Her gaze shifted back to the plate of colorful candies deciding to try the orange one for a change.

"No, thank you," she replied, popping the candy into her mouth and savoring its melting texture. She pushed the plate toward the gnome. "You should try one of these. They're quite exquisite," she said between two bites.

Smaragd wrinkled his nose in distaste. "I'd prefer to keep your confections far from me." He nudged the cup of water closer to her. "And I suggest you drink the cup. The water is very refreshing."

Juniper chuckled, moving her head from left to right.

"Truly Smaragd, from friend to friend, you ought to try them. Look at you, with those worry lines on your forehead you look thrice your age. If I were you, I'd trust me just this once. These candies are like happy capsules. They make you feel... oh, I don't know how to describe it, but they're magical. You need that. It might even make you fly."

Juniper chuckled at her own joke. "A flying gnome. I'll be seeing everything these days."

Smaragd shook his head. "The only thing that's going to make you feel better is proper rest and hydration. Water is what your body needs, not more of these... whatever they are."

Juniper laughed, a light, airy sound that seemed almost out of place. "Oh, Smaragd, you worry too much. They're little bursts of sunshine!" After a moment, she added "We all need a little sunshine."

Smaragd's frown deepened, his bushy eyebrows knitting together even more tightly. "You look unwell. You should stop eating that."

"Juniper!" Anny interjected as she appeared by her side, swiftly taking the plate from the girl's hands. "Don't tell me you've eaten all of this by yourself. I warned you not to overindulge in the candy."