Pied Piper Pest Control

By H. L. Davis

“Lost, Goldilocks?”

I stand, brushing dirt from the knees of my green corduroys as I beam at the fox standing nearby. “Nice guess, friend! My name’s Harmony. Harmony Star. And I’m not lost. I only stopped to help a three-legged turtle safely cross the path on my way to… to…”

Where am I going again?

The fox’s eyes narrow as they fixate on the badge clipped to the strap of my ukulele. “You’re from the pest control company?”

“Oh yeah! That’s right.” I blow a stray strand of hair out of my face and scan the badge, confidence rising. “I’m the newest employee at Pied Piper Pest Control, where we believe in the power of music to safely remove any unwanted vermin.” I clear my throat. “Though I prefer to say, ‘unwanted visitors.’ After all, every creature is deserving of respect, right?”

“Right…” The fox smirks, his tail flicking to and fro. I’m almost overwhelmed with the desire to squeeze his fluffy red frame, but I restrain myself.

“Some new forest residents called this morning requesting a home inspection.” I point at my badge with a grin. “I just started a job with Pied Piper Pest Control!”

“Uh-huh.” The tone of that second syllable makes me frown. What have I said to offend this adorable canid? He trots away, tossing a final remark over his shoulder. “Good luck, Goldilocks.”

So kind! “Thanks, Mr. Fox!” I wave until my arm hurts. Returning to the path, I take a step… southeast? I retrieve a compass from my pocket, nod, and turn to head the opposite direction.

Pied Piper’s voice runs through my mind, and I feel the weight of his hands on my shoulders. “Now remember, Harmony, these newcomers are pretty gruff. And even more so since they’ve discovered signs of pests in their newly purchased home. You’re one of the best musicians I know. Don’t let the company down.”

“I won’t, Piper!” I exclaim as I jog faster through the forest, heart racing, anticipation soaring. “You can count on—”

A buttery scent swims up my nostrils, and my sneakers skid to a stop. I sniff deeply.

What is that amazing smell?

My stomach rumbles, the noise rippling against the back of my orange instrument. Maybe I shouldn’t have given my breakfast bar to those birds on the way to work. But they were so melodically insistent—how could I say no?

My teal-painted nails click against my ukulele. I shouldn’t be hungry on the job, right? It might affect my performance. I shake my head. “Harmony, don’t be such a silly goose! You can make it through this one assignment.” I take a determined step forward. “Then there’ll be a smoothie back at the office for… My goodness! What is that amazing smell?”

Saliva flooding my mouth, I follow the scent off the path and through the trees, where I spy a cozy cabin nestled beside a giant oak. The front window’s wide open.

My stomach gurgles. Silly me! Guess I forgot to eat breakfast this morning. I wonder if whoever’s home might be willing to share…

I enter through the window and rap on the wall. “Hello?”

No answer.

I’m in a spacious kitchen with an intricately carved table surrounded by three pine stools. Blue-and-white porcelain bowls of different sizes are set before each one. I examine the contents of the largest bowl.

Porridge! My, it’s been ages since I’ve had porridge! I grab the silver spoon and raise a steaming mouthful to my lips.

“Ouch!” The utensil clatters to the table. That porridge is much too hot!

I move toward the medium-sized bowl, quickly tapping my fingers against it.

This helping is already cold.

I glance at the itty-bitty bowl. “Why, it looks like something has already eaten this porridge up!” My nose wrinkles as I notice little droppings of…

Oh dear!

I grab my cell phone and dial. “Hello, Pied Piper Pest Control? The cottage by the big oak in the forest has mice. You need to send a musician here stat! I’ll wait until you to arrive.”

I end the call, spying three various-sized seats near the fireplace. I choose the smallest—a rocking chair with a crimson cushion—and sit. Moving back and forth, I play a soft melody on my ukulele to distract myself from my hungry belly and burned lips. My eyelids grow heavier with each rock of the chair…

I blink them open to find three bears staring at me.

My mouth feels dry, my cheek slightly damp as I rub it and sit up from the coziest little bed I’ve ever slept on. Wait—a bed?

Guess I sleepwalked again!

“Good morning!” I smile, then cringe at my stinging lips. When did they get so chapped?

The bears don’t answer, only glare from their gruff, hairy faces. Why are they so out of sorts? From the corner of my eye, I see the bright orange of my ukulele at the foot of the bed. I pull the strap over my head and gently strum a tune to lighten the mood.

“Now let’s just be calm.
Let’s all sing a song.
Join in, one and all,
Friends should get along.”

A squeaky strain rises from behind the bears. To my delight, a large family of mice emerges from behind a cupboard, joining my song. I hop from the bed, playing and strolling from the bedroom to the kitchen. They follow the music, their tiny voices growing louder and more harmonized as they file out the front door behind me.

“So you’re the pest control worker!” A laugh booms from the biggest bear’s throat as he watches from the window. “Great work, Goldilocks!”

The final strum of my ukelele fades as the mice continue their journey around my feet and into the forest. “It’s Harmony Star!” I toss my long blonde hair over my shoulder and grin. “Have a pleasant, pest-free day!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

H. L. Davis is a Christian, wife, and homeschool mom who calls the South home. She first discovered the joys of writing at ten years of age, and it is a craft she is delighted to pursue once again. She is particularly fond of fairy tales, whether it’s retelling old favorites or weaving magical stories of her own

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