Aurora Magazine 2017

face. It had several little hairs that stood up at the top of its head and bulbous blue eyes. The creature hesitated behind the tree before slowly creeping forward out from the shadows. “A living sneeze!” Jackie exclaimed in a puzzled tone. His eyes narrowed as he tilted his head to the right and opened his mouth slightly as if to say more. Puff interrupted, “This is King Sneeze, Jacki... Jack.” Puff ’s head sank a little and he peered at the boy sheepishly. Jackie raised an eyebrow and leaned over, resting his elbow on the gunwale. He took the foot not bearing his weight and crossed it behind the other while fidgeting in a pocket with his opposite hand. Jackie withdrew the carton again, not yet opening it. Puff questioned the king, “Is there something we can help you with your majesty?” The bashful creature rubbed his palms together and bowed his head. With a nasally voice he stated, “Yes. I have come to ask a favor of our friend Jackie.” “Not you too,” Jackie sighed, placing the carton on the gunwale and retrieving his cell phone. The king shifted his gaze back and forth between Puff and Jackie, mouth unhinged. Jackie turned his focus toward his cell phone. The small screen glowed white; the only visible source of light currently in Honalee. The angry black clouds above suffocated any light that attempted to escape from the hidden sun beyond. “I... I thought you might be able to get us some chicken soup from Long John.” King Sneeze stuttered. Jackie snorted out a chuckle, “What is chicken soup going to do?” He questioned without glancing upward. “Well, it cured us when we were ill. I thought it might be able to cure Honalee of its ailment too.” The king shrugged his shoulders. Puff, realizing the solution was not so simple as chicken soup, placed a large hand on the king’s shoulder. “I am sorry my friend. I am trying to remedy the situation. I do not believe that soup will work this time. I will see what else can be done.” Puff attempted to console the king. The king thanked Puff and turned to leave. He looked back over his shoulder toward the boy and offered a faint smile. “Farewell, Jackie.” Jackie remained focused on the illuminated screen. He did not offer a reply. “Who are you talking to anyway? Puff ’s voice increased in

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