Besting Blunders

[Firesquids]

A T-Rexcellent Party!

"The party starts in twenty minutes.
I'm stuck in here, and the party starts in just twenty. short. minutes.
Why does this kind of thing always happen to me?"

Today started out perfect. I prepared every little thing in advance so that I wouldn't have to worry about setting anything up in a rush. The decorations were hung, twinkling fairy lights with a banner proudly declaring "HAPPY 20th ANNIVERSARY!" in vivid coloration. The cake had been frosted, and the guests had RSVP'd. It was going to be easy, stress free, and nothing was going to go wrong! How naive I was just half an hour ago.

But that's when the package arrived. I had ordered it well in advance to make sure it would arrive in time, and I could not wait. I just had to try it on for size, my Halloween costume. I loaded the thing up with batteries (it takes 20 "D" batteries, you know), unzipped the back, and stepped inside. Oh the excitement I felt, "It's so much larger than I expected!" I thought, "The texture of the skin so detailed! The rows of teeth so sharp and realistic! "This year I'll really show those punk kids what the 'trick' in 'trick or treat' is all about!". But the only trick today, it seems, was the one I played on myself.

I flipped the 'ON' switch of the monstrous suit, and its motor began to roar. 'Twas then that I made my greatest mistake of all, I zipped the zipper up to the top, and the suit began to fill with air. Rapidly inflating in size, the space inside of the suit soon outgrew the space outside of it. The head rose up, along with the fob of the zipper, quickly becoming out of reach. As the folded fabric continued unfurling, soon could be distinguished two huge reptilian legs with clawed feet, and a massive 16 foot long tail.

CRASH! "Oh, no", my heart sunk "The chocolate fountain!". Rich, dark brown, molten chocolate flowed from the rim of the fountain, over the edge of the table, and onto the floor, while from its peak spewed a geyser of the liquid goodness. Seeking to address the sudden onslaught of chocolate, I flipped around, and so did the suit's tail, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction. I desperately reached for the fountain's power cable, but the colossal head of the suit had reached the wall first, and its tiny vestigial arms were doing me no favors.

"Ding-dong!~" I instinctively jolt upright and the tremendous head catches on the banner, displacing it from the wall. As the banner drifts to the floor, I hear a tentative knocking, and the creak of the door, followed abruptly by the running, and the screaming. "No wait! It's just me!" I pleek, but no one could hear me over the suit's roaring motor, and their own shrieks of terror. There would be no help for me, I would need to free myself from the belly of the beast. It was then that I realized what would be my only means of salvation, the cake knife! I turned back to the desserts table, what was left of the cake sat in a pile on the table beside the toppled fountain, the cake knife placed strategically next to its former glory. The cascade of chocolate seemingly endless, I mustered up all of the energy I had left in me, and dove for it. Extending the costume's pitiful arms to their limit, I just barely managed to grab it!

I turn the knife inward to the suit, and it doesn't take much pressure before POP!, the suit bursts open and at last, I am free. As the remains of my costume flutter to the floor and sink into the tar pit of chocolate bellow, I hear cheering from outside. "Wooo! You did it! You slayed the BEAST!" the concerned party goers began to file into the room and lift me from the great pool of fudge. "That was quite a show, but maybe next time you can just hire a clown".

 

[Milleram]

The Perfect Gift​

Ozzie’s birthday was quickly approaching. Amy, a resident of Amy Isle, was excited to celebrate with her friend. A few weeks before Ozzie’s special day, Amy started preparing. She bought a card and fancy wrapping paper for his present, ordered him a cake, and picked out a special outfit to wear to his party. Amy would make sure Ozzie had the best birthday ever!

On the morning of Ozzie’s birthday, Amy woke up early. She was so excited to see how happy her friend would be during his party! She ironed her new outfit and carefully put it on. She confirmed that the cake was still set to arrive at Ozzie’s house on time. She signed the card with her neatest writing. All that Amy still needed to do was wrap Ozzie’s present. She spread the wrapping paper out on her kitchen table and gathered tape, scissors and a pretty bow. She was all set to get started when her jaw dropped. Amy had forgotten to buy Ozzie a present!

Amy glanced up at the clock on her wall. It was still pretty early. She could run to the store to pick out the present, rush back to her house to wrap it and still make it to Ozzie’s house in time for the party. She was so relieved that she had happened to wake up early!

As Amy approached Nook’s Cranny, she thought of what she might possibly buy for Ozzie. She was so lost in her thoughts, she didn’t even notice the sign set up beside the store. When she approached the door and jiggled the handle, it didn’t open. She pushed and she pulled, but it didn’t budge. Thinking this was strange, she stepped back from the door and finally noticed the sign closeby. The sign read, ‘CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS. REOPENING TOMORROW.’

Amy’s jaw dropped. How could this be happening?! What was she going to do?! She couldn’t possibly show up to Ozzie’s party without a gift! Unsure of what to do, she turned away from the store and started sadly walking through town.

As she walked, Amy tried to think of what she might do to salvage Ozzie’s special day. She thought and she thought, but she couldn’t seem to come up with a solution. Feeling defeated, she sat under one of the island’s many cherry trees to take a short break.

Amy leaned back against the cherry tree’s trunk and looked up, desperate for a solution to come to her. As her eyes trailed along the tree’s branches, she noticed something that seemed to be gleaming. What could be hanging from the tree?

Amy quickly stood up, eager to investigate. She stood on her tiptoes, and reached up towards the branch that the gleaming object was hanging from. She brought the branch closer to her face and peered at the beautiful sight before her. It was a perfect fruit! A perfect cherry!

Right away, Amy had an idea. This perfect cherry was the solution to her problem. She would carefully pick it from the tree, wrap it up beautifully at home, and then bring it to Ozzie’s party to present to him. Ozzie, being something of a fruit connoisseur, would surely love it.

And that’s just what happened. When Ozzie unwrapped his present, he was absolutely delighted by what was inside. He had apparently never seen a perfect cherry before, and Amy’s rare discovery had ended up making his birthday this year one of his best ever.

Word Count: 585

 

[Hyoon]

not much of a writer but did my best. word count: 1177

Spoiler: story

In the town of Eterna, a birthday was fast approaching. A chilly air has set in as the leaves began to fall. As Diana ambled down to Nook’s Cranny, she began to note down the items she would need for the party. She had volunteered to host a surprise party for her next-door neighbor, Marshal, whose birthday was coming up at the end of the week. Diana had decided that her house was the best place to host this party as her tastes are the most refined after all. Who better to host this party? She went over her list again as she approached the store. She needed cream, sugar, butter, flour, milk, eggs, strawberries, and chocolate. It was her first time baking a cake, but she would make it the best cake there ever was.

As Diana browsed through Tom Nook’s selections for today, she also glanced briefly at the selection of furniture available. It seemed like today was kitchen themed items. She noticed a lovely blue kettle was up for sale. Thinking about it, Marshal did have a very nice kitchen that he enjoyed using. It would make a fine gift to get him a kettle. Perhaps he would be able to make some tea with it.

“Brilliant,” Diana thought. She bought all her ingredients and paid for the blue kettle. Her trip to the store yielded better results than she had thought. Diana excitedly walked home carrying her grocery items while preciously holding the blue kettle. She truly was the best birthday planner in the world.

The day before the party, Diana had started decorating her house in preparation for the party the next day. She expected to spend most of the day baking the cake, so she wanted to get started on everything else first. The birthday sign was up, the streamers were hung, and the balloons were perfectly placed on the wall. Diana stepped back and admired the fruit of her hard labor. Everything looked spectacular. Everything was going great. Surely nothing could sour her spirit.

A few hours later…

Perhaps she had spoken too soon. As it turned out, baking a cake was not as easy as she had thought. She had somehow started about 1.5 fires even though the recipe she was using didn’t even specify the use of the stove. Somehow it just caught on fire just to prove a point. Her kitchen looked like a tornado made of milk (a milknado if you will) had torn through just her home in the entire town. She did not realize it was not that easy to just simply combine some sugar, milk and eggs in a bowl. She finally somehow managed to get two layers of cakes into the oven. Not willing to take her eyes off the oven for even a second in case the oven caught on fire, Diana sat and intently stared at the window of her oven.

She watched as the color slowly turned golden, just as she expected. After about 25 minutes, she proceeded to remove the cakes from the oven into a rack. Shaving off the top to make a flat surface, she began to pipe some of the whipped cream filling on top before stacking on another layer. She stopped and sighed feeling slightly hungry. Indeed, she had been busy the entire day and did not get a chance to eat lunch. Perhaps eating some of the scraps of cake she had shaved off would be enough. Diana took a bite of a piece and instead of the sweet flavor that she was expecting, it was salty! Oh no… Why was it salty? It couldn’t be. It must be her tastebud acting up just to prove a point just like her stove. No no no. It couldn’t be. There was no way she made the amateur mistake of putting salt instead of sugar in her cakes! Diana grabbed the white jar and gave it a taste and behold, it did not taste of sugar. She quickly glanced at the clock and noticed it was well past 10PM. Nook’s Cranny would not be open at this hour. She frantically paced her kitchen. What could she do now? Maybe she could find someone with sugar? That surely shouldn’t be hard.

She headed down the hill towards Judy’s house, her other closest neighbor. Judy did not have sugar but offered her a grass skirt. Confused, Diana accepted the gift anyways and headed towards her other neighbor, Julian. Julian, who also didn’t have any sugar, handed her a recipe for poke salad and said it was a fail proof recipe that didn’t require any cooking. Just as Diana was about to kick him back to the sky where he claimed he came from, Julian had suggested that she talk to Merengue. In her panic, she had forgotten that Merengue was a great cook and baker. Surely, she must have sugar. Diana hurried to the other side of town where Merengue lived and knocked on her door. Luckily, Merengue was still awake.

Merengue was her last hope. Not only did Merengue have sugar, but she also volunteered to help Diana remake her cakes. Diana was touched by this gesture. She had put in all on herself to prepare for this party. She was overzealous and overconfident. It was against the spirit of this town where they all worked together to make this town just a little more beautiful each day.

In a few hours, they were able to bake the cakes again with the correct ingredients this time. It was beautifully iced and decorated. Diana pipped the final topping onto the cake and sat back. She looked at the beautiful cake they made together. It looked just like they had bought it from Tom Nook but tasted even better. She couldn’t wait for the birthday party. Diana was so grateful for Merengue’s help. They had grown closer, and she could see herself becoming best friends with Merengue in the future. She even scheduled a hangout together soon after.

Come the day of the party, everything went perfectly. Everyone in town came by to celebrate Marshal’s special day. He looked especially happy going around with his birthday hat, laughing and smiling with everyone. The cake was sliced into 10 equal pieces for everyone to enjoy. Diana waited with bated breath as everyone took a bite of their slice. Her eyes lit up with joy seeing everyone enjoying and complementing her cake. She of course made sure to thank Merengue and let everyone know that she also helped in making this cake.

At the end of the party, Diana gave Marshal his gift, the blue kettle. Seeing his little face smile ear to ear from her gift brought her immense happiness. She was so grateful that everything had gone according to plan in the end. All the villagers were dancing and enjoying each other’s company. She joined in along and danced her heart out. She truly couldn’t have thought of a better way to spend the rest of her day.

 

[Rio_]

I... don't know what this is. But it fits the wordcount!

I might have been inspired by a furniture commercial I kept getting shown over and over a couple months ago

Spoiler: Chair Today, Gone Tomorrow

One upon a time, there lived a human named Rio. Rio lived on a barren -but not deserted- island named Alinguia, along with her friendly animal neighbours. All of the islanders were filled with excitement, as a very special occasion was upcoming- a giant party to celebrate the 1031st anniversary of Alinguia's founding!

Everyone was determined to make this the best party ever, despite Alinguia's lack of resources and infrastructure. Ever since... the incident... the place had been a wasteland, but the citizens of this once prosperous island were not disheartened, as they still maintained their most important resource: camaraderie. And with the power of friendship and hard work, this celebration was sure to be a blast! Tom Nook, self-proclaimed fearless leader of the community, summoned all the islanders for a meeting at Resident Services to discuss party plans. Each islander volunteered to help with a different task, with Rio's being to run a game of musical chairs.

'This will be easy,' Rio smiled to herself, 'There's already a boombox at the Plaza we can use. And Nook's Cranny has a bunch of folding chairs in stock... an absurd amount considering how limited the rest of their inventory is. If they let me borrow their rolling cart, moving them will be a breeze!'

---

Days, then weeks passed by, the party drawing ever closer. Rio had made no progress on arranging the musical chairs event, which concerned party supervisor Isabelle.

"Miss Rio..." Isabelle started sheepishly, "I don't want to pressure you, but the party is only a week away. I'm a bit worried you won't be able to secure all the items in time if you don't start talking with the Nooklings soon."

"Pffft." scoffed Rio dismissively, "I have plenty of time. Besides, the Nooklings are drowning in those chairs, it won't be an issue."

"If you insist..." Isabelle relented, doubt clear in her voice.

---

The evening before the party, Rio headed to Nook's Cranny to purchase the chairs.

"Seven of your finest folding chairs, please!" Rio requested cheerfully.

The Nooklings stared at her, frowns forming across their faces.

"...Our deepest apologies apologies, that item is out of stock," said Timmy. "We can place an order with our supplier and get you the items within 3-5 business days days."

"OUT OF STOCK?! You had like 50 of them last week!" Rio was in disbelief.

"Ah yes... We've had a folding chair surplus for many months, so we sold our inventory to offshore sister locations locations. We shipped them out 3 days ago ago," Timmy informed Rio.

"But as Timmy said," added Tommy, "We can place an order with our supplier, and within 3-5 business days-"

Rio interrupted, "I can't wait that long! I need those chairs for the party tomorrow!" She started pacing around the shop in anxiety. "What am I going to do? I'm going to let Isabelle down. I'm going to let all my friends down..."

Timmy piped up, "Well... We do have other types of chairs currently in stock stock. Only one of each type, but we can get you seven nonetheless."

The distraught human turned to the Nooklings, "I'll take anything, thank you!" She wiped away the tears that had fallen down her face. "I'll pay now and pick them up tomorrow morning. Oh! And can I please borrow your rolling cart?"

Timmy and Tommy looked at each other. "About that..."

---

Bright and early the next morning, Rio began the process of moving the chairs over to the party site. Only she had no rolling cart to help, as the Nooklings had informed her theirs was broken. To add to the problem, these chairs were much less portable than folding chairs, and she could only carry one at a time. And even worse, some of them were extremely huge and heavy- including a full-on recliner and a throne of all things!

But Rio was determined. Musical Chairs WAS going to happen.

She dragged, one by one, using all her might, each chair two acres to the party site. 'Thank goodness we chose this spot' she thought, remembering the original plan was to have it five acres farther away. After many hours, and only 25 minutes left to spare before the party started, she finally finished. She wiped the sweat from her brow and sighed in relief.

"Phew, you stink!" Dom teased Rio as he wrangled a bouquet of balloons. "You're totally drenched! New workout routine?"

"Something like that..." Rio murmured. 'I should probably shower and get changed. Will have to be quick though.'

Rio raced back home, as fast as her exhausted limbs would take her.

---

The party was going as planned, and everyone was having an amazing time. Rio was enjoying herself too- sure, she felt like she had fallen off a cliff, and sure, she had missed the opening ceremony because of her detour back home... but she was eating good food while listening to good tunes with good friends.

Eventually, the time had come for musical chairs. Rio grabbed a microphone and explained the rules of the game to the participants. Bob, Annalisa, Knox, Beardo, Eugene, Judy, Dom, and Julian all gathered around the circle of chairs, waiting. Rio hit play on the boombox and K.K. Rider began to blast. The animals walked round in circles, grooving to the beat, until the music suddenly stopped. They made a mad dash for the chairs, but something unexpected happened: some of the contestants were fighting over the same chairs, even though there were empty ones available!

"Uhhh... guys?" Rio spoke into the mic, perplexed at what she was seeing, "There's empty chairs..."

The contestants ignored her.

"Julian? Beardo? Judy? There's a simple chair right beside you. One of you could..."

"SIMPLE chair?!" Julian repeated the phrase with disgust. He had both Judy and Beardo in headlocks, as all three tried to inch their way onto the elegant chair behind them. "How could you possibly expect a style icon like me to DEGRADE himself by sitting on something so- so- BASIC!" he whined.

Beardo chimed in, "This elegant chair is meant for me! It's like my soulmate, but a chair!"

"I'm not sitting on any other chair," sneered Judy, "This is the only chair with upholstery high quality enough that I won't break out in hives!"

Rio sighed and turned her attention to the other fight. "Eugene, Knox? You don't have to fight for the throne, there's two empty- "

Before she could finish, Knox pushed Eugene to the ground.

"UGH!" Eugene grunted, "What's your problem, man?! Just let me have it!"

Knox was standing in front of the throne, refusing to take a seat, instead guarding it. "Only the King shall be permitted to sit upon this throne," bellowed Knox, "I will ensure so with my life."

Eugene got back on his feet and dusted off his leather jacket. "Yeah, well, that bozo hasn't shown his face in months, and my fanclub calls me 'The King' so I should have first dibs!"

"Over my dead body," snarled Knox, pushing Eugene to the ground yet again.

Dom, who was sat comfortably in the recliner, started chanting, "FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!"

"Dom, please," scolded Annalisa, "We need to help resolve this, not egg them on!" She was fidgeting nervously in her log chair.

"Did someone say eggs?" asked Bob, curled up in his peach chair, "I'm hungry. I know we just ate, but we can go for fourths, right? I thought this chair would be a yummy snack, but it tastes funny..."

Rio had had enough. "ALRIGHT PEOPLE, GAME'S OVER! Let's move on to Sandy's Three-legged Race!"

But the fighting persisted, getting worse and worse.

'What do I do? What do I do?' panicked Rio, 'I wish I had just gotten those stupid folding chairs when I had the chance.' Then it hit her. 'Aha!'

She ran over to Resident Services. There was a ladder leaning against the building, still there from when decorations were being hung earlier. 'Perfect.' She climbed the ladder onto the roof and crawled over to the clock tower. She grabbed the clock hands and spun them backwards, over and over and over and over and over... Until finally, she was there. She had time travelled back to the day she received her assignment.

"I'm going straight to Nook's Cranny this time!" she proudly proclaimed, determined not to repeat her mistakes.

Only... she was still on the roof. And the ladder was no longer there.

"...Once someone rescues me, I'm going straight to Nook's Cranny!"

THE END

 

[Roxxy]

Well, it is a story and it fits the word count. All i can say is that i tried

Spoiler

Whitney woke up with a start. There was something about today, something was happening. She rubbed her eyes and tried to make her brain remember. On the bedside table she saw a message flash on her phone. It said "Happy Birthday!" Oh my goodness, yes! today was her special day. Her birthday! Why didn't she feel excited. Then the memories of the previous night came flooding back. She had had a row with her dear friend Julian.

They had gone to the newly opened cinema in Bayside. It was so exciting, everyone was there at the grand opening. Isabelle had made a speech and Mayor Roxy had cut the ribbon. They all sat down to watch the film. Everyone was having a lovely time until Julians phone had started ringing. After answering he began talking very loudly. Whitney told him to hush. Julian glared at her and stormed out of the cinema. He seemed very upset so Whitney went after him. He glared at her "Go away Whitney, I don't need you telling me how to behave" and walked off into the night.

Whitney was upset and confused by her friends reaction. She went back into the cinema but Julian never returned. On her way home she knocked on his door but no one answered. She was so worried about her friend. What could she do if he wouldn't talk to her?

Gathering her thoughts, Whitney knew that she couldn't celebrate her birthday without her dearest friend by her side. She quickly got dressed, made some coffee to put in a flask and went round to see Julian.

She knocked on the door and this time he answered. He looked sad. "Come in Whitney", he told her. Whitney entered the house which was very untidy. "I brought coffee, would you like some?" Julian nodded "Yes, please". They sat down at the table and sat sipping coffee. he cleared his throat "Thank you, Whitney. You always make things right. I am sorry for being mad at you, it wasn't your fault. i shouldn't have snapped at you". Julian admitted that he had been embarrassed at the cinema as he realised that he had behaved badly and could have spoiled everyones enjoyment of the film by being inconsiderate. Julian reached into a drawer behind him and brought out a beautifully wrapped gift. "For you Whitney, what would i do without you? You know i am a stubborn old unicorn and would have sulked for far too long if you hadn't come round. I would have spoiled your birthday and never been able to forgive myself" Whitney took the present and smiled. "I know you too well my dear friend. In future please remember that i am here for you"

Whitney made her way back to her house to get ready for her party. Would Julian ever learn to stop being so head strong and stubborn? In all the years they had been friends, it was unlikely. Hopefully the lesson will be learned that friends are always there for each other and we all say and do things we regret.

Whitney put on her party dress and smiled at herself in the mirror. "Happy Birthday Me!" The doorbell rang and she went to welcome her friends.

 

[Dunquixote]

I did the best that I could; I hope this is okay .

Spoiler

One dreary day in May on Skyhold, the Resident Services was jammed packed, with nervous chatter filling up the room. Dunquixote, the Island Rep had not been seen for over a year.. The residents all hoped that Tom Nook or Isabelle would have some word about her since they were worried and an important special day was coming up.

“Mr. Nook! Please tell me that you have news about our dear island rep!” Merry cried out as she shoved her way to the counter where Tom Nook stood.

Spike, one of the residents that she shoved, shot her a dirty look before he spoke up and said, “Stop hiding things and tell us what is going on, Raccoon! This has been going on far too long.” The other residents nodded and made rather disgruntled sounds in agreement to him.

Tom Nook sighed, slightly annoyed even though he knew this was coming. He just finished resolving some problems that had arisen during Dunquixote’s absence, and was about to take a break and read the latest issue of his favorite golfing magazine.

“Calm down, everyone. Our island rep is just on a lengthy vacation for health reasons,” Tom explained. “She should be back any day now, so calm yourselves and don’t fret.”

But, another week goes by and there was still no sign of the island rep. There were only a few more days left until the important special day. That special day was her birthday!

“This won’t do,” Punchy said quietly to himself. “I don’t know about the others, but I’m not buying what that darn raccoon says. Something is wrong.” With that being said, he turned off his tv and Switch, grabbed his black cloak, and left his house.

Punchy headed to where Dunquixote lived, which was near the back of the island, amongst some spooky ruins. On his way there, he ran into Kiki, who was muttering nervously to herself.

“Hi Kiki! What are you doing all the way out here?” Punchy asked.

“I just wanted to see if Dunquixote has arrived home yet,” Kiki replied. “Something doesn’t seem right.”

“You think so too, mrmpht? Want to come along with me?”

Kiki nodded. The two proceeded through the ruins, Kiki, now and then jumping at shadows and at any sound. When they arrived at Dunquixote’s house, they saw that they weren’t the only ones there. Raymond was there, deep in thought and Rudy was running around doing airplanes.

Raymond looked up and said, while puffing out his chest a little, “It looks like once again, my intuition was right that you and Kiki would come.”

“Have you figured out what is going on?” Kiki asked.

There was a lengthy pause before Raymond grinned and said, “Nope!”

Punchy scowled at Raymond, but said nothing. Instead he peered at the windows. He thought for a brief second he saw some movement by the window upstairs.

Rudy stops zooming around and happened to see it too. Immediately he shouts, “DUN, PLEASE COME OUT! WE WANT TO SEE YOU!”

“Rudy! What are you doing?!” the group yelled.

“Let’s go back to my place and talk,” Punchy said. “I have a plan!”

Back at Punchy’s place…

“There must be a reason Dunquixote is shutting herself in. As her friends, we’ve got to do something,” Punchy said. “Her birthday is coming up and it’s the purrfect opportunity to do That something.”

“Can we really trust someone as lazy as you to do this?” Raymond asked.

“HEY! That is not cool! I can! So here is the plan! Our rep loves games and video games so let’s all hold a big video game party for her. I think I recall she said she has never had a surprise party before. Claude will handle the snacks and drinks, Merry and Kiki will handle the food and dessert, Raymond is in charge of money and decorating, Rudy is in charge of the video games and bringing the gaming systems, and Lopez is in charge of the board games. I will be taking Dun to the place we’ll be renting.”

On the day of Dunquixote’s birthday, everything seemed to be going as planned.

The decorations and furniture were placed, the presents were bought, food cooked & baked, friends invited.

Nothing should go wrong, at least that’s what Punchy thought.

Before Punchy left to pick up Dunquixote for the party, he visited the venue they were renting to check on the preparations. What he saw was not what he wanted to see.

The snacks and drinks Claude brought were stale and expired; they were probably not from Claude’s own stash. One of the gaming systems that Rudy brought was missing a controller and some games that he had said he’d bring. Dom, who no longer lives at Skyhold had apparently borrowed some of Rudy’s games and controllers and never returned them. The board games that Lopez brought were missing pieces. The decorations were already falling apart. Worst of all of the things that went wrong, there were bugs all over the room, dust and cobwebs everywhere. Punchy knew Dunquixote gets screamish around bugs. On top of that Raymond was wearing a smug I told you so look.

Punchy took a deep breath and took a few seconds to calm himself down before thinking of what to do next. He immediately got to work; he sent Raymond out to do last minute shopping for snacks, decorations and the board games. He assigned Spike and Lopez and anyone else who could spare the time to cleaning duty. Rudy thankfully still had Dom’s number and called him; he was not busy and agreed to meet with Dodo Airlines and arrange a speedy delivery of Rudy’s games and controllers.

All that was left to do now was to get Dunquixote to come to the party; hopefully then, they can find out what has been going on with her.

Punchy knocked on the door, “Dunquixote! It’s me, Punchy! Is everything okay?” There was no answer.

“This is weird. Normally she answers the door right away. I hope she’s okay,” Punchy muttered to himself.

Punchy knocks again, this time a bit harder. “This is an emergency! Gullivarr’s pirates are here seeking revenge for the times we didn’t help Gullivarr when he was stranded here! You got to hurry and come quick!”

The door suddenly opens. Dunquixote, with a serious bad case of bed head and still half asleep, greeted Punchy with a big yawn.

“I lied,” Punchy said sheepishly. “But please get dressed and come with me! No questions either!”

On the way to the party, Punchy finds out that Dunquixote was indeed taking time off from her duties on the island because of health issues.

At the party, Punchy sighed in relief seeing the big smile on Dun’s face and that the party proceeded to be a very happy and successful one.

 

[roseflower]

Spoiler: My entry

A birthday pie for Goldie

The sun was already shining brightly when Eloise woke up. She gently rubbed her eyes and glanced out of the window, the little lake near her house looked peaceful. Even a fish was swimming close the surface.

She heard the birds chirping loudly and stood up to start the day, she was really excited because today is a special day!
Everyone on the island was looking forward to celebrating their dear friend Goldie's birthday. Eloise, as the chief organizer, along with Chadder, Dotty and Jeremiah were tasked with the preparations.

It was still early morning, and the birthday party was set to take place in the afternoon at Eloise's house. After a light breakfast, she got ready to prepare Goldie's birthday cake. She took her recipe book and looked for a nice cake, "Mhm, let's see... I think she might like ..."

Just then someone knocked on the door!

"Good morning Eloise, I came to help with the cake!" Dotty said with the brightest smile. Along with her, Chadder also came in carrying a basket. "Here's the party favors and snacks!" he proclaimed proudly while putting the basket on the table.
"Oh thank you both, that's a great help!" Eloise smiled.

"Now we need to wait for Jeremiah, who promised to prepare the decorations!"

Eloise nodded happily, then her attention shifted to the cake recipe again.

"Do you guys think that Goldie would like a chocolate cream cake for her birthday?" she asked her two guests.

"Aaaaah, I think I know what Goldie might like!!!" Dotty joyfully danced a little.

"Some time ago Goldie told me that she had dreamed of a yummy apple pie since that's what her late grandma used to make for her every birthday."

"Ah really, that's such a sweet memory, we have to bake an apple pie for Goldie! Let's start... wait, I don't have any apples...hm?" Eloise worried.

"Well, I will go and ask if anyone has apples." Eloise firmly said and left to ask around. First, she went to her next-door neighbor Reneigh, but she could only offer carrots. Next, Eloise rushed to Ribbot, unfortunately he only had batteries...
Then she headed to Fang. As usual, he was sipping his favourite green tea. He had no apples but thankfully he had a tip for Eloise's apple quest: "Not sure why you need those apples so much, but there's an apple tree north of the village area, behind the northern mountain plateau, maybe it bears some apples unless someone munched them already, cha-chomp?"

Strapped for time, Eloise rushed all the way towards the northern mountain plateau. When she arrived there, she looked around and noticed a tree with green leaves behind a group of pine trees.

Lo and behold, it was the apple tree, and it bore a couple of shiny red apples!

"Yay, these are perfect for Goldie's birthday cake, well pie it is, haha!" Eloise carefully harvested the apples using her trunk and hurried back home. With the help of Dotty and the others, she baked a delicious apple pie and successfully prepared a wonderful birthday party for Goldie, who got teary-eyed when she saw the apple pie.

"Aww, my grandma always made them for me when I was little, how sweet! Thank you so much!" Goldie smiled happily and hugged Eloise and all her friends who celebrated with her today.

 

[duckvely]

Spoiler

The date was May 24th, a day before Derwin's birthday. Joey stopped by a bakery to pick up Derwin's favorite dessert: chocolate cake. He knew Derwin would love it.

He had spent the entire day going around the island and picking up party supplies for his best friend's surprise party. The cake was the final item he needed to get before he headed home to decorate for the party.

"Thank you!" Joey said, as the baker handed over the freshly baked custom cake. The word "derrrr" was written across the middle as they were the mouse's favorite words to say. The yummy aroma filled his senses. "This is perfect," Joey thought to himself.

The little duck made his way home to prepare for the party. It was still early in the evening, so he had plenty of time to decorate before he would head to bed. He placed the cake on a safe spot on a table and got to work.

Hours and hours passed, and Joey's house began to slowly light up with color. Balloons lined the door, and a banner with the words "Happy birthday!" hung across the wall. He wanted to make this a birthday Derwin would never forget.

The time was 11pm, and Joey still had quite a few decorations to hang up. He was not used to staying up this late, but it would all be worth it when Derwin came.

"All of this hard work is making me hungry," Joey yawned. "Reaaaally hungry." The little duck soon fell asleep in the comfort of his couch, decorations still in his lap.

Joey's alarm clock rang at 7am, waking up the little duckling. As soon as he woke up, Joey noticed something strange on his body. Brown fudge was all over his arms and belly.

He quickly got up and went to the table where he had placed the chocolate cake. It was gone.

He ran to the bathroom and looked at his reflection in the mirror. There was chocolate all around his beak. He must have eaten all of Derwin’s birthday cake the previous night, too tired to process anything as it happened.

"No, no, no!" Joey cried. "This is terrible! The party is today, and I ate Derwin's cake!"

Joey didn't know what to do. He had six hours until Derwin was coming, and there was no birthday cake.

Joey needed a cake for Derwin's birthday, but he had never baked a cake in his life. He couldn't get a new one from the bakery because they had been backed up with orders this past month. He had to order the cake weeks in advance. He wouldn't be able to get a cake from them in six hours.

For his best friend, Joey was willing to do anything. He ran to the grocery store and bought everything one would need for a cake. He mixed all of the ingredients, put it in the oven, and tasted it.

"Bleeeeeck!" he exclaimed. "This tastes horrible!"

Joey was running out of time and hope. There were three hours left, and no sign of a cake.

Suddenly, a certain pink rhino came to Joey's mind. Merengue had been Joey's longtime friend and sweets supplier. He has always looked up to her, literally. If anyone could help him with Derwin's cake, it was her.

He called her on his Nookphone, and she picked up right away. He explained his situation to her, eaten cake and all.

"I'd be happy to help, shortcake!" she replied. Joey was ecstatic. Merengue immediately got to work, and the cake was ready with an hour to spare. Merengue helped Joey prepare the rest of the decorations, and everything was finally ready. Derwin's birthday party was saved!

 

[skarmoury]

Sometimes, when entering his store, Tom Nook appears in thought.

"I moved away for a time... Yes, yes, the city years, I like to call them. I was a raccoon of action, hm? The big city certainly had its charms... but it had its pitfalls, as well. Indeed, I had to endure certain hardships that I've never spoken of, hm? ...Hard to believe, yes? You're probably asking yourself, what the heck is Nook talking about, hm? For now, maybe it's best that we forget we ever talked about this."

But as all things are, painful as they may seem, he hasn't forgotten how to do one thing.

---

Spoiler: 🍊 How to Slice an Orange (Cake)

He grabs the knife and swings.

"What are you doing, Tom Nook?!" a shout rings. "Stop!"

Tom Nook stares at the orange fox, unfazed.

"I— gimme that," Redd stands up and walks towards the raccoon, snatching the knife from his hand. "You're crazy, that's not how to do it! Have you never cut an orange before?"

He has, in fact, never cut an orange before. But he's not going to admit that to his partner.

Today is Sunday in the town of Oakwood, but not just any Sunday: the third Sunday of August marks not only the fireworks show, but the town's founding anniversary as well! Tortimer has announced that residents are to bring food in a potluck style of celebration. This occasion, the duo decide to give an orange cake to celebrate.

After the cake has been prepared — mostly by Redd, much to his dismay — the two stare at it.

"Alright, cous'," speaks the fox, "I'll get the calling cards."

"For what?" Tom Nook asks. "We're not giving calling cards during the celebration, are we?"

"Even better!" Redd raises his hands in glee, "We'll put the calling cards on top of the cake! Like thieves leaving the scene!"

"That's lame."

"How about we scatter the cards on the table?"

"That's dumb."

"We hide the cards in the cake for a munchy surprise?"

"That's a choking hazard."

They end up putting it in icing instead (to Redd's dismay, again): 'Redd and Nook's Insurances Inc.'

"Hold on, backtrack," Tom Nook turns to face Redd as they exit the shanty house, "Did you say we were like thieves?"

"What? Huh?" Redd exclaims, shoulders stiffening. "Nuh uh! I said we were like... Leaves! Leaves. Clover leaves, yup. Lucky fellows we are. Yup. Enough questions. Let's go."

The town is bustling with lights from every corner of the street, quite the enchanting sight see at dusk. One can hear the chattering of residents and see loads of party favors galore. The feeling of festivities is in the air!

There stands in the middle is the town hall, where a grand display is spread across a long table as villagers showcase what they've prepared for the occasion. Behind the table is an old tortoise, gazing at the sky.

"Tortimer, hello." Tom greets. "We've brought the orange cake, yes yes."

"Oh, welcome!" Tortimer greets back. "Yes, place the cake in the middle, what a beautiful cake! Just like my wife, she was a bit sour sometimes but always sweet on the inside! Heh heh HORF!!!"

Tom Nook smiles as Redd gives out a heartier-than-usual laugh.

"Well, enjoy the festivities, whippersnappers!"

The two leave the town hall premises before Redd chimes in.

"Hey partner, mind watching the area for a bit? I'll go get Lyle, he's texting me to come get him. Crazy lot got his hand stuck in the pickle jar again. Lottie can't get it out."

"He— huh?" He raises an eyebrow. What an oddly specific scenario. "Okay... Let me know when you get back."

The fox hurriedly exits, leaving Tom Nook.

The raccoon wanders around town, observing the decorated houses. They are all beautiful: lights hanging from the roofs, colored fences on the yard, assortments of flowers and bushes surrounding. Admittedly, he had an affinity for house building, but never got around to it due to financial reasons. He left his family and friends to move to the city, starting a new life in a small shop. Ideally he would've had more money now, but...

"Sir Tom Nook! Oh, it's you!" a sprinting Lily approaches. "I was looking for you! Here, happy founding day!"

"Oh?" Tom finds his words, surprised. "Thank you kindly, yes yes! What's in here, hm?"

He opens the gift to find... a new pair of scissors?

"Sorry it wasn't much!" Lily says apologetically. "I-I saw you last week using a pair of old rusty scissors, and you took ten whole minutes to cut the receipt, so... I thought you'd need a new one! Anyway, I have to go, please enjoy the festivities!"

The frog runs— not hops— off.

Tom looks at the scissors; he's never prioritized buying a new pair since he's been stingy. He's reminded of the friends he left to pursue bigger dreams, particularly Sable, whom he considered his closest friend. He gifted her a new pair of scissors for one birthday (she'd forgetten herself). He remembers her parting words: "Work hard and be kind to others..."

He thinks hard. Had he been doing that, truly?

"...need insurance. Not tomorrow. Not next week... Now. Right now..." A voice rings in the distance.

"...won't regret it, cous'... Our usual asking price is 498,000 bells... it's a special occasion today, so we'll bump down the price... 1% of the original... A one-of-a-kind festive deal for only 4,980 bells..."

Familiar voices. He hears them.

Tom Nook rushes, seeing the villager Spring being talked to by the chatty fox and otter. She seems uncomfortable, to say the least.

The villager is unprepared, so when she hears "...notimetoexplaincomewithmemynephewshavetheirhandsinpicklejars..." as the raccoon comes and whisks her away, she just accepts her fate.

Tom brings her to the back of the town hall where he slumps to the ground, exhausted. "I know you're confused, but..."

He glances at the villager who's frozen with widened eyes and unruly hair. She looks like she just came from a time travel gone horribly wrong.

"Okay, hm, I'm assuming you can hear me." He continues. "Don't fall for their schemes. It's bad. Dishonest. Save your money for the festivities, for your loved ones, for yourself. That's a deal you won't regret."

The villager shakes herself from the shock. "Thank you for, um, saving me. I was afraid they were gonna... steal from my pockets? At first I thought they were..."

"...Thieves?" The raccoon finishes her sentence. "I've heard that today, yes."

The villager smiles. "How do you know them? Do you work with—"

The megaphone blares from the front side of the town hall.

"Come everyone, it's time for the festivities! Don't miss this special potluck, heh heh HORF!!!"

The two look at each other and make their way.

It was awkward, to say the least, when Redd sat beside Tom at the potluck feast, much to Tom's dismay.

"What'd you do that for, partner?" Redd whispers. "We had the deal in the bag! The cow's milk! The gold nuggets!"

"...I don't want in anymore with the insurance thing." Tom says. "I'm done with the dishonesty."

"Whaddyamean dishonesty?" Redd shakes his head. "It's not dishonest if they don't ask the deets! Ya gotta be slick, work smart, and—"

"Enough, Redd." The raccoon sighs. "I'm through lending you money for whatever scheme this is. It's lame
and dumb and a hazard. I promised I'd work hard and be kind to others, and yet..."

"Aww pardner, what seems to be the probl—"

"It's YOU!" Tom exclaims, standing from his seat, garnering the attention of the entire town as K.K. Bubblegum plays in the background. Oh my god.

"I mean... achoo? Achoo, yes. Achoo." Tom tries to find his words in a panic. "Oh no, I'm feeling sick, yes yes. I'll leave for now so I don't spread the sick, yes."

As he moves to leave, the fox grabs his tail. "But Tom buddy, our cake...!"

Annoyance suddenly surges. "Okay, and I'll take some damn cake with me then, hm?!" and proceeds to grab a whole piece of cake with his bare hands. Oh my god.

Tom exits the festivities in a hurry, embarrassed. Meanwhile, the orange cake remains messed; the remaining icing spells: 'Redd... Insurances Inc.'

In the aftermath, Tom ponders as he lay in bed. What good came out of that event? He made a scene and for what?

He supposes he saved the villager. And told Redd off. Maybe that was enough for now, yes yes.

If he could save even just one person from being deceived, he would do it again.

Properly.

—

After the incident, Tom Nook moved on to other towns, expanding his shops and earning money earnestly. He's been called many names but doesn't mind — it takes quite a lot to manage businesses and housing after all, and those didn't come from deception but through hard work. He was at peace with that.

His success has slowly grown and he was soon able to create an island housing company, offering getaway packages for an island called Windfall. He met Isabelle, his nephews Timmy and Tommy, and the island representative Momo — and they made the once-deserted island into the bustling center Tom Nook only dreamt of in his old shanty shop. He met old friends again — notably Sabel, who moved in with Mable in their new clothing shop.

It's been a year since Windfall's first inhabitance, coincidentally the third Sunday of August he's all too familiar with. Today is a special occasion, and he's let Isabelle and Momo do most of the work while he finishes on housing projects. They said they enlisted the help of an 'events coordinator', so at least there's that.

Nightfall arrives and the island of Windfall is decorated with festivities: light, decorations, gifts, balloons. Many brought their own sparklers and fountain fireworks. Isabelle is handing out light boppers to everyone as Momo finishes the fireworks display.

As things on his end wind down, Tom Nook has time to check what's going on at the Resident Services. He sees Bea and Willow chatting while holding cotton candy and boba. He didn't know Isabelle prepared so many treats!

Further down the street he sees Francine, who is carrying what seems to be an... oddly familiar canvas?

"Francine!" Tom Nook chimes, stopping the rabbit in her tracks. "What's that you're carrying, hm?"

"Tom Nook, lovely night to see you!" Francine says, "Get this, there's a gentleman at the Resident Services selling festive treats, and he whispers to me saying I might be interested in an original painting... and would you look at that, he just so happens to have Sunflowers! I couldn't believe my eyes!"

The raccoon's eyes narrow. "Sunflowers... by Vincent Van Gogh, hm? The Van Gogh? Be real with me now,
Francine."

"Well, yes, um..." she starts to hesitate. "H-He reassured me it was the real deal! It looked real! And he gave quite a discount, called it a one-of-a-kind festive deal, only for 4,980 bells... Oh, how could I say no!"

Oh, no.

Tom sprints to the Resident Services and immediately comes into eye contact with a 'gentleman' wearing a straw boater. He's ready to dash forward when...

"Look up, everyone!" Isabelle shouts through her microphone, interrupting his train of thought.

The fireworks start lighting up the sky in a beautiful array of colors and shapes. He couldn't believe his moon-sized raccoon eyes what he's seeing! Multiple different hues paint the night sky, but only one color stands out to him.

Soon he feels the hands of Momo on his back, pushing him towards the town hall where everyone is waiting.

Everyone, including him.

Isabelle starts, "To commemorate our first anniversary and to thank him for his hard work and kindness, let's all clap for Tom Nook!"

The entire island roars with cheers and claps. This is supposed to be a momentous occasion, but—

"We've baked a lovely tall orange cake for everyone!" Isabelle exclaims, with Momo closely following, cake in hands.

"Mr. Nook, happy first anniversary! Would you do the honors of cutting the first slice for us?"

He sees that color again.

"Yes, yes... we've made this happen, thank you all!" Tom says, smiling at the crowd whilst trying to down any semblance of anger. "I'd love to properly slice the cake for us so we can all celebrate."

Momo hands him the cutting knife. It's just like the one he had years ago. He makes sure do it right this time, yes yes.

He grabs the knife and swings...
...And the townsfolk celebrate that night to the fullest.

Fin.

---

Inspired heavily by his stories in Wild World.
1990 words.

 

[Hat']

Starstruck​

It was the dark of night on Navis. And then, all of a sudden: BOOM!

A star fragment a few sizes too big came in and crashed right into the island’s library where the annual “Deserted Island Settlement Anniversary” was supposed to take place.
Hyacinth came, woken up by the deafening sound, and saw what remained of the library.
The entire right wing of the wooden building was gone.
A few other villagers came, but silence reigned.

“U-Um… I hate to break the ice but, what are we going to do now, kitten?” asked Purrl in a concerned tone.

“It’s okay guys. We’ll notify Nook by morning and he’ll have the library built back in no time!” answered Hyacinth confidently.

"The anniversary is in two days anyways, so we have plenty of time!” added Erik, choking back a yawn.

“I… oh, I hate to be that person but… it seems you forgot M. Nook is on a business trip and is actually coming back on the day of the anniversary, bingo.” said Bea while looking at the ground.

“That’s… I knew this! I totally didn’t forget this and my plan still stands! No worries you guys! The library will be standing strong for the Anniversary, trust me!” said Hyacinth, as convincingly as he could.

“Alright, if you need anything, please don’t hesitate then…! Anyways, let’s go back to sleep everyone.” Purrl said calmly.

On the very next day, here was Hyacinth, standing right before the library’s wreck.
He tried bringing some wood, but he was no architect, and neither were the other Island’s residents.
Hours passed, and villagers did too, asking about the progress, to which Hyacinth always answered with the most reassuring tone he could muster. While in truth, he was oblivious about what to do, and before he knew it, dusk was quietly taking place.

“So, how’s everything going dude?” Erik asked, coming from behind Hyacinth.

“Oh geez! You startled me.” said Hyacinth, “I-It’s going great! I have removed all the broken pieces I could and I will start building tomorrow!” he answered.

“You have no idea what you’re doing, right, chow down?

Hyacinth looked at the ground and shook his head.

“Hey buddy! It’s okay! We’ll figure this out I promise! We’ll help you tomorrow.” Erik said.

“I… No! You don’t need to, really. It’s my responsibility.” Hyacinth said while holding back tears.

“We’re all in this together, it’s our island and just because you decided to take on all of these grown-up tasks and whatnot doesn’t mean you have to be alone, chow down!” Erik cheered.

“But… I have to do it…” Hyacinth answered.

“Alright, and how do you plan on removing the ginormous star fragment that is stuck right inside of the library? You might be strong but even Louie couldn’t make it budge, chow down!” Erik retorted.

Hyacinth nodded and hugged Erik, thanking him.
After talking some more to ease the atmosphere, they both went back to sleep.
No matter how hard he tried, Hyacinth just could get himself to fall asleep, and whenever he actually did, he would be woken up by nightmares. The subject of these dreams would range from failed parties to seeing star fragments fall all over Navis.

Okay, so, how do we move this thousands-of-tons-weighing fragment out of the way? Any idea, kitten?” Purrl asked collectively.

“FORCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOO HOO HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Louie shouted while smashing his fists on his chest.

“Anything else…?” Purrl said, disconcerted.

“I mean, Louie might not be wrong. Sure he can’t move the fragment alone, but what if we all try to push it away from the remains, bingo?” Bea answered, inquisitively.

And with that, everyone got to work, being mindful of where they would push the fragment so as not to crush anything else.
After countless efforts and gallons of sweat, Hyacinth felt himself go.

“Oh my, Hyacinth are you okay, kitten?” Purrl asked, worryingly.

“I-I don’t think so. I barely slept and I couldn’t find the will to eat anything.” Hyacinth answered.

“Are you out of your mind! Why join us then, this is extremely risky! Someone go grab a snack for Hyacinth and bring him to the beach so he can cool down and get some shade.” Purrl urged.

Erik accompanied Hyacinth to the beach and placed him on the sand, under a parasol, then he gave him a sandwich he made this morning.

“Here buddy. Eat at your own pace, and don’t forget to drink as well! I’ll stay a bit to monitor how you’re holding up, chow down.” Erik said gently.

“Thanks Erik. I hope I’m not too much of a bother.” Hyacinth said guiltily.

“Of course not, chow down! We’re all worrying about you and we need you back on your feet by tomorrow! Even if the library isn’t rebuilt, it’s no big deal. As long as we’re all here together, that’s what counts isn’t it!” Erik answered with a reassuring tone.

The two villagers kept on talking for a while before Erik went back to the heavy-pushing site.
After getting his strength back, Hyacinth decided to take a swim to cool down a bit.
He swam alongside countless fishes of diverse colors and patterns, he tried to catch some and eventually went back to the beach with a horse mackerel.

“Nyuuuk, Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk!”

Hyacinth looked around him, feet still in the water.
Then, he saw him. This round beaver, running at him at full speed, drool almost coming out of his mouth.

“Nyuk, Nyuk! Give me this fish!!!” Chip shouted.

“U-Um, sure, here.” Hyacinth said while handing the mackerel to Chip.

He made quick work of the small fish and then sat down with a comically cartoonesque boing.

“Where is everyone, nyuk? Did the fish eat them all?! I can help!” Chip said, panicking.

“They’re at the library, a huge star fragment crashed on it about a day ago and destroyed the entire right wing.” Hyacinth answered.

“Oh! Snap! Nyuk, nyuk. What are they doing over there then, since it’s broken, nyuk?”

“They’re moving the fragment out of the way so that we can rebuild the library. But it has to be ready by tomorrow, for the anniversary. Alas, I fear I still haven’t found a solution to put it back up to shape.” Hyacinth said, defeated.

“Nyuk. Nyuuuuk…” Chip said.

Chip then proceeded to stand up and gestured at Hyacinth to look at him.

“W… What is that supposed to… oh wait.” Hyacinth just realized.

“I’m a beaver, nyuk nyuk!! Who else but me could help rebuild Navis’ library, nyuk! And you gave me your fish with no hesitation, nyuk, so it’s only fair I pay you back, nyuuuuk!” Chip said proudly.

“You would? It’d be such a huge weight off of my shoulders, Chip.” Hyacinth said, regaining hope.

“Yup, nyuk nyuk! Wait, I’ll go and call C.J, I came with him for the anniversary afterall, nyuk. See you at the library, nyuk nyuk!” Chip said while already running away.

With that, Hyacinth came back to the library and to his surprise, the star fragment was gone.
Everyone came asking how he was feeling.

“I’m feeling much better thanks to you guys, and outstanding work with the fragment, that is impressive!” Hyacinth said.

“THEY COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITH ME!!!!!!!!!!! HOO HOO HA!!!!!!!!!!” Louie shouted.

“T-That’s for sure, bingo!” Bea said. “We talked, Hyacinth, and we decided that we don’t need the library to celebrate the anniversary, it’s okay.” she added.

Hyacinth thought for a bit and decided to hide his plan with Chip.

“Alright, I’m sorry I was of no help. You guys can go back home and rest, tomorrow will be a day to remember!” Hyacinth said.

Everyone dispersed after talking a bit with Hyacinth and reassuring him.
Then, came night time. Chip, C.J and Hyacinth were standing in front of what once was the right wing of the library.

“Alright, nyuk nyuk. It would appear you already have the wood. Nyuk. Now let us shine, and help us carry the planks, nyuk! Chip said confidently.

“Beaver formation, ASSEMBLE, NYUK NYUK!” C.J added, lifting up a plank above his head.

They worked all night, with Hyacinth’s assistance and support.
And by morning…



“O-Oh…! The… the library, it’s been rebuilt, bingo!” Bea said, looking around to the other villagers.

“But how? It was still but a pile of rubble about ten hours ago, kitten!’ Purrl added.

The Nook twins and Tom Nook himself appeared from behind the small crowd, having just landed.

“Oh, you guys have been working! You refreshed the library’s paint job, yes yes!” Tom Nook said, enthusiastically.

Everyone turned to the raccoons, only to see Chip, C.J and Hyacinth right behind them.

“Hey guys! Say thanks to these two for the amazing woodwork they did!” Hyacinth cheered.

“And let the Deserted Island Settlement Anniversary festivities begin!”

 

[Sheando]

I had the idea for this story because I was in a car accident myself a few months ago and didn't play NH for a while. When I returned for this event, I found I'd missed Yuka's birthday by just one day. The "Ballad" in this story is my player character.

I ended up completely rewriting my first draft to ensure that it would meet the prompt, hooray. This is sort of a classic "Man Who Learned Better" story archetype, where the true obstacle that the hero overcomes is her own harmful belief. Lots of physical things go wrong as well--but the real problem is that Yuka doesn't feel she's allowed to reach out to others or be honest about what she wants, and she has to find the courage to do both those things in order to save her own birthday after a series of disappointments.

Sound a little too lofty for Animal Crossing fanfiction? You are correct! I am very bad at writing short, lighthearted stories.

1,982 words: you have been warned.

Spoiler

Sixty-seven days since Ballad's last visit, not that Yuka was counting. The day they'd made Yuka's birthday celebration plans: First a quick harvest of potatoes for a hearty stew later, then a boat ride to a neighboring island. A trip around the Anthology ferris wheel. Then home to share a meal.

In Ballad's last letter, she'd mentioned a car accident, some minor injuries, a recovery far from home. Don't worry about me. I'll be back before you know it!

Yuka had gone to sleep last night with the faint, foolish hope that she'd hear a knock at her door this morning. But July 20 had dawned, and the knock hadn't come. She hoped Ballad was all right.

Sighing, she pushed herself off the couch and tugged a cardigan off its hook by the door. A little gardening would do her good.

Outside, she turned her face to the sun. The gentle lapping of the waves on the western shore always settled her, reminded her she was really just a speck in the grand scheme of things. From the high ledge above her home, her neighbor Huck gave a cheerful wave, then skipped inside. She hardly had time to wave back.

Hmm. That was odd. Huck usually wanted to talk her ear off for at least five or ten minutes; she liked checking on her tomatoes while listening to him the way one might listen to the radio. On another day, she would have relished the quiet, but today it pressed that prickly feeling of loneliness tighter against her chest.

There would have been a notice about her birthday on the message board at the town hall, she supposed. But would anyone even read it? Sometimes birds lingered there for days.

Hefting her watering can, she strode to the nearby pond and dipped it in. If nobody in Anthology had remembered her birthday, she'd just have to celebrate herself. She could still do all those things, even if Ballad wasn't here to join her. And as she lay in bed tonight, she'd play some of her vintage rock records and imagine what might have been.

Chin up, Yuka. She had always been a sensible koala.

(It was so hard to shake the feeling that she wasn't the sort of koala who could ever learn rock guitar.)

At the sound of a door opening, Yuka looked up. Stella's home was right next to hers, and there was Stella now.

"Hi, Yuka!"

Yuka smiled and waved back, her ears perking up.

Stella tapped her hooves together. "You should drop by later today! Maybe we can have a chat, share a scone . . ."

Yuka knew it was foolish to feel hurt. Why should she expect anyone else to remember her birthday? She pushed out a smile and a small nod. "Yes, maybe. I've got a lot of gardening to get through."

"I understand," said Stella, ducking back inside. Was it Yuka's imagination, or did she look a little subdued?

A distant rumble of thunder suggested that Yuka ought to pick up the pace. Yuka set her watering can aside and picked up the trowel.

She had never been sure why she'd shared her rock records with Ballad. Maybe because Ballad had bothered to wrap those apples before gifting them, or because she'd carried that bag of medicine to Limberg's house, or because her cropped hair and men's jeans suggested that she had her own experience with little rebellions.

Or maybe just because Ballad had such a musical name.

Anyway, Ballad hadn't laughed. She'd said Me too! I played electric guitar as a teenager, but then life got in the way. And Yuka, suddenly bold, had told Ballad that electric guitar was the exact instrument she'd hidden away in her closet, the one she pulled out from time to time to strum the simplest songs.

Gently, she sank the point of the trowel into the dirt and pried up one potato. Her heart sank as she lifted it out of the ground. It was smaller than it should have been, and the potato felt a little mushy against the pressure of her paw. White spots dotted the skin.

Some kind of blight. Yuka had read about this. But today it seemed like knowing about something and being able to handle it were two different things. Swallowing hard, she dug up a second potato. This one, too, was soft and withered.

A few raindrops spattered against her ears, but she was too frustrated to care. Abandoning all gentleness, she turned over both rows of soil one potato at a time, leaving rotting plants in her wake. None of the potatoes had survived unscathed. By the time she'd gotten them all into a metal pail for disposal, the straps of her overalls were soaked through, chafing against her shoulders.

If she hurried, maybe she could make it to the pier before Kapp'n closed up his tours for the day.

The island felt strangely deserted as Yuka scurried down the wooden ramp past the Able Sisters' shop, faint music tickling her ears from the beachside carousel. Her feet splashed across the puddles in the town square. She couldn't resist a glance toward the message board—there was her birthday notice, unread.

Shaking the thoughts out of her head, Yuka jogged faster down the path to confirm what she already knew: Kapp'n wasn't sitting in his boat by the pier. In this kind of weather, it wasn't safe to sail.

Turning around, she trudged back the way she'd come, slowing as she reached the carnival entrance. But as she approached the Ferris Wheel, the sign hung on the surrounding chain jogged her memory. That was right. Something about yearly refurbishments. The fairgrounds would open again on August 1.

Well. Maybe she could go with Ballad, then. When Ballad came back.

After three consecutive disappointments, the prospect of curling up at home to mull over her childhood dreams felt less nostalgic and more pathetic. Yuka plodded up the pathway toward the white wood ramp. Getting out of her wet clothes would be nice, at least.

Her shoulders slumped as she reached her mailbox, which blinked with a new mail notification. Yuka eased open the flap to reveal a simple white box tied with a blue bow. In messy handwriting, someone had scrawled on the box To Yuka, From Ballad. It's not too late!

Yuka stepped under her porch overhang and slowly lifted the lid. She pulled the tissue paper away, uncovering a purple pedal board, the kind one might plug into an electric guitar.

Heart beating fast, she examined the knobs, pressed her paw on one of the pedals to tilt it back and forth. Her first instinct was to feel intimidated, to worry that she'd never learn what all these buttons could create. But then, why not? Hadn't she learned to grow wheat, to harvest it, to grind it into flour for bread?

And what if the note was right? It wasn't too late for Yuka to become a really good guitar player. And it wasn't too late for her to visit Stella, either—she hoped. Not too late for her to have a birthday tea, to show off her new gift, to simply ask for a little company. I was going to make some stew, but my potatoes are spoiled. Would you like to help me bake a carrot cake instead?

That didn't sound so hard, did it?

Ducking inside her house, Yuka placed her gift gently on the table. She'd experiment with it this evening, after her visit.

First, she had a little courage to find. She tossed her wet clothes into the hamper and pulled on a comfortable orange sweater. She debated leaving the gift behind, but it would make a good conversation starter, and Stella was a sweetheart. She wouldn't make fun.

Stepping outside, she popped open her umbrella and jogged across the path to Stella's house, gift box under one arm. Knock knock knock.

She'd been rehearsing a casual intro, but the door swung open almost immediately. "You're here!" Stella exclaimed. "I was starting to get a little worried we'd have to cancel the party. Come in, come in. Let me just call the others."

Overwhelmed, Yuka stepped into Stella's house. Furniture had been pushed against the wall to make room for a large folding table draped in cloth. On top of the table sat a homemade cake, slightly lopsided, with pink frosting and candles on top, surrounded by a handful of small parcels and packages in a rainbow of colors.

Stella hesitated with her hoof over the button. "That is . . . would you like a party? I didn't want you to think we'd forgotten. But I understand if it's . . . all too much."

Yuka's instinct was to downplay. That's all right, I don't need a party. Don't make a fuss. But underneath it was the growing awareness that she would like very much to have a party. And the third thought after that: that maybe Stella felt as vulnerable right now as Yuka had felt this morning.

"That would be lovely," said Yuka. "How thoughtful of you! I'm so glad I came."

Five minutes later, the front door opened and their neighbors piled in.

"Show me to the boom box!" called Huck, pushing his way through the crowd. "I made a sick playlist."

"Happy birthday, Kiddo." Limberg nodded as he passed.

Bubbles hopped from foot to foot. "Happy birthday! Are you surprised? I was TERRIFIED I'd let something slip. And Stella said you might not even come!"

"I thought you'd come," said Stella.

"I'm surprised," Yuka managed. She had the sudden impulse to laugh, so she did.

She took a deep breath, absorbing the room. Stu's sloppy handwriting on the tag of a red-wrapped gift. The tantalizing smell of nutmeg and strawberry. The synth beats of Huck's upbeat party playlist, probably favoring one of K. K.'s older albums.

Thank goodness. Thank goodness she'd found her courage.

"Ohmygosh!" Bubbles peered into the box in Yuka's hands. "Is that your gift from Ballad? Is that an effects pedal? I had no idea you even played!

"Well—yes," said Yuka, because it was true. "I do."

Her friends pressed in closer then, a jumble of excitement. Benedict flapped his wings. Would you show me a few chords? Can you play Go K. K. Rider? Where did you find your guitar?

Ione nearly ate her weight in frosted sugar cookies. Stu arranged a large trash bag under the makeshift pinata "so it doesn't get the carpet dirty." Antonio performed some kind of undulating worm-themed dance move on the kitchen tile until Yuka and Stu nearly cried with laughter.

Yuka thought wistfully of Ballad. Her friend would have so enjoyed the party. But Antonio had minced strawberries, stirred milk into flour, cracked eggs. Tiny Limberg with his aching back had found a stool and taped up Stella's hand-cut banners. Azalea had shipped in a pinata—special order. It was possible that Yuka hadn't given them enough credit.

Most of all, she hadn't given herself enough credit.

Her friends had given her wonderful gifts. The effects pedal first and foremost, but also a bright new cap from Azalea, a kaleidoscope from Ione, a handful of chocolates from Benedict. A warm knit sweater from Limberg, who had waved a dismissive paw.

Maybe it was time for Yuka to give herself a present, too. Yes, she decided. For her birthday, she was giving herself permission. Permission to try. Permission to feel a bit embarrassed, a bit clumsy. Permission to attend her own birthday, for heavens' sake. Permission to think of herself as the kind of koala who could learn rock guitar after all.

Next birthday, she decided, she would be the one hosting—a jam session. And when she played K. K. Metal for her neighbors, she felt sure they would clap.

 

[Flaming_Oceans]

Spoiler

Word Count: 697

I woke up bright and early, as today was a special day (well, I say bright and early, but it’s actually 9am… but hey, that’s earlier than usual for me). Anyways, today is Savannah’s birthday! I may have left the gift shopping until last minute, but it all worked out since the delivery was supposed to arrive early this morning around 9-10am, and Savannah’s birthday party wasn’t until the afternoon at 12pm. Cutting it a bit close, but I’m telling myself it’ll be fine.

I get ready for my day as usual. I head down the stairs to make my usual coffee and breakfast. I decide on my usual yogurt and granola with fresh fruits, and as I’m taking the fruit out of the fridge, I hear the sound of what I can only assume to be a delivery truck outside of my house. I pause making my breakfast to go outside, and see the package already at my door and the delivery man walking off. We exchange glances and wave at each other. “Thank you!” I shout from across the lawn as I head back inside the house.

Once I’m inside, I head to the kitchen to grab a pair of scissors. Savannah had made a wishlist and one thing she wanted were some blind box figurines from this new series she had seen recently. They were fruit characters with silly faces in silly poses. The package contained the two blind boxes I ordered, and I set them aside and headed to one of my storage closets to look for wrapping paper. Better to get this done now so I have it ready to go.

As I’m searching, I hear the sound of something fall coming from the kitchen. My eyes widen at the noise and I make my way to the kitchen in a hurry to see what happened. My cat decided to pay a visit to the counter and of course, he had to knock over both boxes. “Crap.” I sigh as I shoo my cat off the counter and grab the boxes. I shake them lightly, and both sound very… broken. I’m hesitant to open them to make sure, but I do anyways to confirm and find that both of them are indeed broken. One’s arm had fallen off while the other’s stem had snapped off. “Supergluing them would work surely… right?”

I put the figures and their pieces back in the boxes so that they won’t fall victim to my cats shenanigans again, and find the superglue. I carefully glue the broken parts for both figures back into place. They could be a little better but I somehow managed to get them back into the right positions overall. Now the only issue was to repackage them nicely. I know it’s obvious that I opened them, but I’d like to at least make the experience of opening them for the first time a little nicer for Savannah to make up for the unfortunate series of events. I grab some of my crafting supplies and decide to cut some some coloured tissue paper in the box with some craft scissors that are meant to cut decorative edges, and some bits of confetti. I set the figures aside out of my cats reach to let them dry before I return to the kitchen to finish my breakfast. I look at the clock anxiously and it’s 11am. “How the heck did it two hours fly by??” I quickly finish my breakfast before checking on the figures again. Thankfully they seemed to settle fast, so I was able to package them up nicely with some washi tape, and put them in a gift bag with some tissue paper and Savannah’s birthday card. I check the clock again and it says 11:30. I still need to get changed for the party, but thankfully Savannah’s party is being held at her place which is only about a 15 minute walk away. I’ll make it on time, but I need to speed run. Maybe this was a little lesson to not leave things until the last minute in case something goes wrong… but hey, it worked out in the end!

 

[Chibi.Hoshi]

*˖✧ ✧˖*

Spoiler: 24 Carrots of Trouble

Today is February 10th, Stitches' birthday! For the last week, I have been running around the entire village sending out invites, gathering presents, crafting the perfect party, and painstakingly baking the best cake he could ask for - my patented "24 Carrot Cake"! Thanks to the help of my good friend Mac, I was able to store it at his house so that Stitches wouldn’t find out about it until the big surprise, tee-hee!



Since this morning, I’ve been running around town like a busybody, making the final preparations and getting everyone over for Stitches' big surprise party! I’ve sent Stitches out on a nice walk around town so that Mac and the others can come over in secret.



“How much longer do you think he will be on his walk, blurp?” Marina asks as we head over to Sprinkle’s house.

“Hmm, I can’t say for sure… But if I know Stitches, he’s gonna get distracted somewhere along the way, tee-hee!”

“Blurp! That does sound like him…”



We ended up grabbing Sprinkle, who was telling us all about the coconut sprinkles she recently bought. “Oh, how I would love to use them sometime! I might pick up baking and make myself a coconut dessert, frappe!” she exclaimed as we made our way back home. Stitches isn’t back yet… perfect!



Time to set things up, tee-hee! With Marina, Sprinkle, and I at home, we were now only waiting on Mac and the cake. We got to work. Marina started putting up all the decorations, her tentacles allowing her to reach high along the roof and walls, while Sprinkle and I decorated the table with Stitches' gifts.



“And, there! Perfect, frappe!” Sprinkle shouts in joy as we place the last present on the table. “Now we just need to wait for Mac.” She was right - Mac hadn’t arrived yet. I wonder what’s taking him so long? No matter, now that everything is ready, we decide to wait for Stitche-



“Bunnie! There’s been an emergency, woo-woof!” Mac shouts as he storms into the house.

“Wh-what’s wrong, Mac? What happened?! …Wait, where’s the cake?!”

“That’s the thing, woo-woof! It just up and disappeared! I put it on my porch as I went to leave, but when I came back out, it must have lifted itself because there was nothing there!”

“No! B-but how? Without that cake, we can’t have Stitches' par-” As the words escaped my mouth, it was already too late…

“Oh hey! What’s going on, stuffin’?” It was Stitches.

“Oh! Uh… Surprise…” we all responded in unison, as a rogue party popper decided to go off.



This is terrible! Stitches is already here, and there’s no cake to be seen!



“Aw, you guys! You didn’t have to do this!” …Whew, at least it’s Stitches. I’ll buy some time with his presents and figure out a way to solve this cake conundrum!

“Happy Birthday, Stitches! I hope you like the presents we all picked out for you!” I say, trying to hide my nerves. It’s a fun celebration watching him open everything; he seems so chuffed, tee-hee! But the time to act is now…



As Stitches is opening his last gift, I gesture toward Mac to meet me in the kitchen.



“So, what are we going to do, tee-hee?”

“Woo-woof! You’re asking me?! I dunno, Bunnie. Those were the last of your carrots too… It’s not like we could just make another…”

“…Wait! That’s it!”

“Huh?! Wh-what is it?”

“It’s simple, tee-hee! We make another cake!”

“But… I just said…”

“It’s okay, Mac! We can get more carrots!” I’ve been inspired! I’m gonna have to bake up another one of my 24 Carrot Cakes!

“I-is everything okay, blurp?” Marina reluctantly asks as she and Sprinkle enter the kitchen.

“Yep! We might have lost the original cake, so we have no choice but to bake a new one, tee-hee!” I reply with newfound motivation.

“Oh! But we still need the ingredients…”

“Yeah, that’s what I was just telling Bunnie!” Mac interjects.

“It’s okay! I have a plan!” This is it, hopefully, everyone has what I need, tee-hee!

“To make my 24 Carrot Cake, we’ll need flour, sugar, and carrots, of course! If I remember correctly… Nook's Cranny had a special on flour today, Marina has leftover sugar from her sweets, and Gaston up the hill can hopefully spare some of his carrots for us!”



Everyone remains silent for a moment before unanimously praising the idea! It looks like we’ll be making a new cake. Mac stays with Stitches to avoid arousing suspicion as the rest of us leave through the kitchen window to Nook's Cranny, tee-hee!



“Timmy! Tommy! It’s an emergency!” I shout as I enter the humble store.

“Oh?! What’s wrong? …Wrong?” they reply in unison.

“Ah, well, it’s a long story-”

“Bunnie here needs flour for a new cake for Stitches' Birthday Party, and on the double!” Sprinkle interjects.

“Oh! For Stitches? We can supply that! …That!”



They come around the counter to grab a hefty sack of flour for us, and then they say, “It’s on the house! …House! Consider it our present to Stitches.”



“Thank you, two! We’ll let him know, tee-hee!”

“No need! We’re closing up shop; Stitches is worth it! …It!”



With Timmy and Tommy in tow, we make our way to Gaston's house, shut off as always.



“Gaston! Gastooooon!” I shout in an attempt to get his attention. As usual, he doesn’t want to come outside.

“It’s okay, blurp, I can do this.” Marina steps up to the door and ever so gently tells Gaston, “Hi, reading partner! Do you think we could come in for a quick talk, blurp?”



As if she spoke magic to the door, it suddenly opens to Gaston's gruff face.



“I suppose I can share a word with you, Marina. I guess you two are free to come in as well, mon chou.”



After Marina gives an explanation of our struggle, she eventually convinces Gaston to part with a few of his carrots - not 24, unfortunately, but enough, tee-hee!



“Alright, alright, I guess I can spare a few carrots, but only if you take me along to this fancy party of yours, mon chou.”

“Thank you so much! I can help you pick them out of the ground! In the meantime, Marina, why don’t you go and grab that sugar from your place? Our plan is almost finished, but is there any way we could spice this cake up even more?”



I think for a moment as Marina heads to her house, but then I realize!



“Sprinkle!”

“Uh, me?!”

“Go grab that bottle of sprinkles!”

“You mean…!?” It looks as if she has sparkles in her eyes.

“Yes, those coconut sprinkles. It’s going to be our final detail, tee-hee!”



I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone move as fast as her running out that door, and with that, Gaston and I get to work. Thanks to his help, we make quick work of the carrots and head back down to the house, where it seems like everyone decided to enter through the window again.



“Alright, let’s do this, everyone!” I say with one leg through the window. Mixing the flour, sugar, and finely chopped carrots, we bake a beautiful cake topped with coconut sprinkles… To be honest, it’s even better than my 24 Carrot Cake!



Marina, Sprinkle, Timmy, Tommy, Gaston, and I all walk through the kitchen simultaneously to wish Stitches another happy birthday.



“Happy Birthday, Stitches! Here’s the cake that I definitely prepared earlier, tee-hee!”



We all watch with bated breath as he takes his first bite, paws crossed that we succeeded…



“…”

“…This is amazing! Did you all make this?!” He likes it! We did it!

“Yes! Everyone in town chipped in and made this cake especially for you, Stitches. We hope you enjoy it!”

“You know I will, stuffin’! This is even better than the cake I found this morning!” All goes silent…

“Y-you didn’t…”

“There was this beautiful carrot cake I found this morning by a house. It was left out, so I figured I would take a bite! Next thing I knew, it was all gone!”

“…”

“But you know what? This cake right here hits the spot, stuffin’! Everyone, come take a bite!”



Despite some bumps along the way, the party went off without a hitch! It brought everyone a little closer, and we learned a very valuable lesson - don’t leave cake where Stitches can see it!




*˖✧✧˖*

 

[Yanrima~]

Here's mine. The story takes place on Sable's birthday (November 22) between the time of City Folk and New Leaf.

Patched-Up Reunion ​

"Who are you talking about?" "You know, the OTHER Able Sister..."

For years, the Able Sisters lived in separation. With the tragedy unfolding once their parents met with untimely death, The sisters had tensions with one another causing Label to leave without a single word. The last time Label remembered Mabel and Sable before leaving to 'greener pastures' was that incident unveiling right in her presence. Label felt like she wasn't loved anymore, she felt like the world is unfair to her. All that matters to her is to find this 'hope', a sliver of light that showed to her in this bleak day that clawed her once happy life.

The city became her beacon of hope, a chance to start anew. With Gracie offering her a job and a chance to help her with that dream.

For years, Label went by her name "Labelle" because of the great influence Gracie had on her. Even surpassing her sister's influence. She felt happy for a while, but her memories of her sisters slowly came back. Because of such strong feelings, she wanted to see her sisters again. Even to the point of reconciliation with the sisters.

-6 years later-​

It was November 22, Sable's birthday and almost the end of the autumn season. GracieGrace plans on closing down their city branch. It's been the last day of operation for the store, and the items were on huge sale. Huge, colorful signs were popped up in every corner of the store. the price tags were also huge with a markdown on all items sold in GracieGrace. In the storefront hangs a giant banner that reads "CLEARANCE SALE: EVERYTHING MUST GO" on top. Gracie was there, watching over the flock of customers eying on the good prices that were on sale. Labelle walked up to Gracie, wanting to return to her sisters.

"Gracie, I would like to ask..."

"Oh, what's the matter. Labelle?" Gracie asked.

"I was about to say that I wanted to see my sisters again. I just had this feeling that I want to see how they're doing all this time. I know that you might get upset for me leaving, but I want to show up for Sable's birthday." Labelle replied.

Gracie didn't see Able Sisters as a competitor. Because of her huge influence in the high fashion culture, she saw Able Sisters as just a tiny humble store that won't hurt her brand. Despite Gracie's picky attitude, she wanted to see Labelle happy on the inside. Gracie, knowing of Labelle's situation then said:

"To be honest, I was about to let you go after the store closed down. I saw you writing a pile of unsent letters for the sisters last week. I don't want you to feel all that lonely so I'm basically helping you fulfill that wish."

"...Thanks, Gracie. I won't forget you." Labelle cried with tears of bittersweet joy.

Labelle then gives Gracie a tight hug before leaving the store. On the way out was the city now filled with scarlet leaves falling from the trees that filled the city with life. The city is now filled with cold air that welcomes a long winter. The fountain was surrounded by playful children with Phineas giving each and every children a colorful balloon to cherish with. Labelle upon seeing Phineas in the city center thought of what present to give for Sable's birthday, Phineas saw Labelle's interest in balloons and he beamed with excitement. Phineas then showed her the balloons that were currently on sale. Labelle then said to Phineas:

"I would like the fresh bunny balloon over there, please."

"Sure thing"

Phineas then unites the green balloon from his colorful balloon cart. The balloon may take some time to untangle but Phineas does it neatly and with a quick response.
Labelle then hands over 10 bells to Phineas for payment. He gives the balloon to Labelle in return of the payment.

Next stop is to buy a gift for Sable. But since the specialty shop is nearly closing, Labelle went on a rush. She ran to the storefront just as the last customer leaves the store. Since Labelle doesn't have time to make choices, she gets the random item and rushes towards the cashier. She hurriedly paid the cashier just before the store closes for the day.

With the gift now purchased, she rushed through a near closing door that was ready to be locked. After the rush, Labelle gasped for air as she breathes heavily after using up her energy for a rush purchase. Labelle then reverted her speed to a slow pace as she strolls through the beaten road outside the city, with only the bus that links the city with the town passing through the old road. The cold air soon reaches the temperature of a winter night.

Labelle ponders while looking at the falling leaves, each leaves trickle onto the beaten pavement. The trees towered on her like buildings that were made by nature itself. As she reached the house of Able Sisters, the aroma of pine grows stronger as she reached the house.

The house was same as it was, years ago.

But unlike the memories of nostalgia rushing in. This house rushes in painful memories, the memories that Labelle tried to forget.

Labelle stepped on the grassy road and knocked on the doorstep. Mabel was in the house preparing for Sable's birthday. Inside the cold exterior lies a warm interior decorated with balloons and a plethora of presents dedicated to Sable. As the knocks grew louder, Mabel then responds to the door. Instead of welcoming the long lost sister, Mabel gives Labelle a silent treatment.

"...."

"Mabel?"

Labelle was disheartened to see her feelings from years ago validated from the time. Mabel then gives a stern response:

"Unforgivable..."

Mabel then lets out her feelings of anger and resentment towards Labelle.

"Unforgivable that you left us without a word. If you don't have anything else to offer, just leave."

Labelle was in shock, almost giving up her goal in reuniting and reconciling with her sisters. She felt like it wasn't worth the visit and turns around to leave.

Sable looked at Labelle with tears in her eyes. She knew that the the time won't heal but time has passed. Sable then rushed through the door and reached out to a disheartened Labelle.

Labelle then turned to Sable who was running towards her. Sable shouted in response:

"Wait!"

"Label! Don't go!"

As Sable begs her not to leave, Labelle then gives a small smile but it was overshadowed by feelings of rejection. Labelle tells the truth about the reason for her visit.

"The reason I decide to visit you is because...I wanted to see you all again. I honestly miss you after all these years. And I wanted to visit on your birthday, Sable. If anything for your birthday, I would like to see you happy! The present is rushed, but I hope you like it!
One last thing, Sable. Will you ever forgive me? I'm truly sorry for leaving you all of a sudden years go."

Sable looked in Labelle's eyes. Knowing that she wanted to reconcile for so long. Sable then responds with reassurance.

"Label...I forgive you all those years and thank you for visit! I don't mind if the presents are rushed, all that matters in my birthday is that you're here! To be honest, I also apologize over the fights made years ago. I was hoping that we get together again as sisters, Label."

Sable then hugs Labelle and welcomes her back in the family. Mabel however is still not over her pent-up anger towards the situation that happened years ago. As Sable welcomes her back, Mabel wasn't so pleased. Labelle then placed the balloon and the present on the table. Mabel took out the birthday cake, side-eying Labelle and focusing her eyes towards Sable.

"Happy Birthday Sable!" shouted Mabel.

The song of K.K. Birthday played in an old phonograph. It wasn't a grand party but it does serve the purpose of celebration well. Labelle and Sable had a nice chat after the birthday candles are being blown, with each of them exchanging stories about what transpires in their lives before seeing each other again. Mabel still refused to talk to Labelle however.

Hours later, both of them settled down in the birthday celebration. Labelle wanted to reconcile with Mabel but she felt like more time is needed for her to accept her apology. Then, they all packed up and went to sleep. Labelle slept on the couch as the old bed that used to be for Labelle was packed with piles of fabric with no mattress in sight.

The next morning, they had breakfast. Mabel then breaks the ice about the whole birthday situation:

"Label, I would like to confess about the whole thing. I was stressed about how I feel especially when running a shop, I have to deal with the difficulties of running the business ourselves and seeing you guys being all happy regardless made me realize something. But I don't understand-"

Sable intercepted Mabel's confession.

"There's more to life than what we expect and we shall value the lives that we live, life is fragile and we shall cherish it with our hearts. Birthdays are a sign of the celebration of life itself. And I celebrated the years together with happiness- because of you."

Mabel then turns towards Labelle then said:

"Label, I'm truly sorry about the fight that happened years ago. I hope we can get together again. I hope we can reconcile once and for all. Will you forgive me?"

Labelle beamed in response, she finally gets to reconcile with the sisters that she missed the most.

"Yes, I forgive you. What's in the past is done, what matters is that we have second chances!" Labelle responded.

All three of the sisters hugged one another as the morning sun shines on the window, bringing warmth to a nearly cold season. Mabel finally gets to say the words she wanted to tell Labelle for so long.

"Welcome back, Label."


word count: 1,688 words

 

[ShinyDungeoneer]

Here's mine!

Birthday Bash Blunder
By ShinyDungeoneer
​

It was an ordinary day on the island of Valencia. March 20th. Faith's birthday was coming soon, and Acerein had no idea what to get her. Being the Resident Representative took a toll on him, and he ended up forgetting how soon the birthday was until literally yesterday. "Oh, what am I gonna do? The Able Sisters didn't have anything that would suit her style, and my storage has next to nothing..." Acerein fretted. Panicking, he asked the other villagers what to get.

Their suggestions were good, but upon reflection after speaking to them, they didn't fit. Then, Acerein had an idea. "Maybe the Nooklings have something! They haven't upgraded, but they'll surely have something!" With that, Acerein sprinted to Nook's Cranny. "Welcome! ...come!" the Nooklings said. "Do you have anything for Faith? I'm looking for a birthday gift." Acerein asked. " What about this inflatable bird ring? It costs 800 Bells. ...Bells." the Nooklings replied. "That'll work perfectly! Thanks, you two!" Acerein said happily as he paid for the bird ring and went home to gift wrap it. However, upon looking through his storage, he realized he had no gift wrap! Panicking, because by now the shop had closed (he's a night owl, so he got the bird ring at like 9:50), Acerein scoured the home for any leftover gift wrap that he may have dropped instead of storing, but found none. Defeated, he slumped in his Froggy Chair.

"What am I going to do?" Acerein asked his Pink Puppy Plushie. The Plushie responded in a series of pre-recorded barks. Just then, Acerein's NookPhone went off. It was a notification from a friend of his, Ellee. She lives in a different timezone and asked if she could come over tomorrow for Faith's birthday. Acerein gave her permission to do so, and also told her about the fact that he had no gift wrap for his gift for Faith. Ellee replied quickly, saying she could open her gates and that Acerein could come over to buy gift wrap. Elated, Acerein thanked her and rushed to the airport to depart. Once on Ellee's island, Hirogaru, Acerein went straight to her Nook's Cranny to buy gift wrap. He chose orange- Faith's primary color. Thanking her again, Acerein wrapped the gift and left Hirogaru.

The next day was Faith's birthday. Every villager was in attendance at Acerein's house for the occasion. "Wow, everyone! This birthday bash ROCKS! Thank you for throwing this party for me, aloha!" Faith said, clearly happy. "You're welcome, Faith. Here's your gift, I had a lot of trouble getting it." Acerein replied, passing Faith the gift. With a smile on her face, Faith unwrapped the gift, revealing the inflatable bird ring. "An inflatable bird ring!?! Seriously, aloha? Thanks, Acerein! I've always wanted one, aloha!" Faith said joyfully. Acerein merely smiled in response and winked at Ellee, wanting to keep the fact that he almost messed up the party a secret.

The End!​

 

[The Pennifer]

Well, it is a story and it fits the word count. All i can say is that i tried

Spoiler

Whitney woke up with a start. There was something about today, something was happening. She rubbed her eyes and tried to make her brain remember. On the bedside table she saw a message flash on her phone. It said "Happy Birthday!" Oh my goodness, yes! today was her special day. Her birthday! Why didn't she feel excited. Then the memories of the previous night came flooding back. She had had a row with her dear friend Julian.

They had gone to the newly opened cinema in Bayside. It was so exciting, everyone was there at the grand opening. Isabelle had made a speech and Mayor Roxy had cut the ribbon. They all sat down to watch the film. Everyone was having a lovely time until Julians phone had started ringing. After answering he began talking very loudly. Whitney told him to hush. Julian glared at her and stormed out of the cinema. He seemed very upset so Whitney went after him. He glared at her "Go away Whitney, I don't need you telling me how to behave" and walked off into the night.

Whitney was upset and confused by her friends reaction. She went back into the cinema but Julian never returned. On her way home she knocked on his door but no one answered. She was so worried about her friend. What could she do if he wouldn't talk to her?

Gathering her thoughts, Whitney knew that she couldn't celebrate her birthday without her dearest friend by her side. She quickly got dressed, made some coffee to put in a flask and went round to see Julian.

She knocked on the door and this time he answered. He looked sad. "Come in Whitney", he told her. Whitney entered the house which was very untidy. "I brought coffee, would you like some?" Julian nodded "Yes, please". They sat down at the table and sat sipping coffee. he cleared his throat "Thank you, Whitney. You always make things right. I am sorry for being mad at you, it wasn't your fault. i shouldn't have snapped at you". Julian admitted that he had been embarrassed at the cinema as he realised that he had behaved badly and could have spoiled everyones enjoyment of the film by being inconsiderate. Julian reached into a drawer behind him and brought out a beautifully wrapped gift. "For you Whitney, what would i do without you? You know i am a stubborn old unicorn and would have sulked for far too long if you hadn't come round. I would have spoiled your birthday and never been able to forgive myself" Whitney took the present and smiled. "I know you too well my dear friend. In future please remember that i am here for you"

Whitney made her way back to her house to get ready for her party. Would Julian ever learn to stop being so head strong and stubborn? In all the years they had been friends, it was unlikely. Hopefully the lesson will be learned that friends are always there for each other and we all say and do things we regret.

Whitney put on her party dress and smiled at herself in the mirror. "Happy Birthday Me!" The doorbell rang and she went to welcome her friends.

This is a lovely little story

 

[Muna]

Spoiler: Fireworks

It was the first Sunday of August so naturally everyone was getting ready for the fireworks show. Isabelle stood before the Town Hall, handing out colorful boppers, while Redd set up his stall nearby. Villagers slowly gathered in cheerful moods, chatting, and occasionally breaking into dance or song. It was a warm summer evening: the cicadas buzzed, and 7 PM was fast approaching.

“Welcome, welcome! We'll be starting soon! Does anyone else need a bopper?”

“Step right up to Redd's Raffle! Every ticket is a winner!”

“I'm so excited, the summer fireworks are the best!”

“It's getting started! 3, 2, 1...”

Boom, boom! The sky lit up with vibrant explosions. The villagers clapped and cheered, but after a few seconds the crowd fell almost silent.

“Wait, it that?!”

“...ho, ho, ho?”

“ Oh no.”

The fireworks show continued, but instead of the usual bursts, images began to appear in the sky. Colorful and intense, they exploded with a loud boom, fading away after a few blinks, yet something was clearly wrong.

“Santa hat?”

“Festive tree?”

“Is that a dog? No, it's Jingle!”

“Socks!”

“Mistletoe!”

“Quick, kiss me!!!”

“This is all my fault. I'm so sorry, I ruined the fireworks show,” Isabelle suddenly broke down, sobbing. “I-I must have ordered the w-wrong batch... I'm so, so-”

“Oh, darling!” Whitney interrupted, “It’s not that bad! No one here is sad or angry. Look, they’re even excited!”

“B-but...”

“Yes, it's very exciting!” Sherb exclaimed, putting on a Santa hat out of nowhere “Toy day in the middle of the summer? That's the most exciting surprise!”

“Where did even you get th-...”

“The presents! We need the presents!”

“I can sell you some,” Redd grinned.

At that exact moment the doors of City Hall swung open with a thud and Tom Nook stepped out.

“Everyone!” he called out “Go fetch some presents, they don't need to be big or expensive. Be back in 30 minutes. Now go, go!”

And just like that, within seconds, the square was almost completely empty. Fireworks still could be heard in the background and the sky color was constantly changing. Isabelle wiped her tears and looked at Tom Nook.

“Mr. Nook, I'm sorry that-”

“Hush, it's alright. You did nothing wrong. And even if you did, that's fine too - accidents happen. We'll face it together and tackle it head-on. Now, let's set up a table and chairs. This is going to be the best summer event you've ever seen, yes yes.”

“The best summer event? Okay, okay then. Yes, let's get back inside, I have some cookies and cupcakes in the fridge.”

“We’ve got this, Isabelle!”

“We got this! And so do they!”

The villagers returned with gifts, the holiday tablecloth was spread, and snacks and drinks were laid out. Some wore Santa hats, some wrapped garlands around themselves, and others put on sweaters, but they were quickly taken off - it was too hot, after all. There was music, singing, dancing, and so much fun. The presents were exchanged with laughter and joy. Even Redd joined the celebration, giving away sparklers and ice cream for free. Everyone stayed until the last firework lit up the sky.

“Sooooo...” Ruby broke the odd silence that followed the final boom, “Bunny Day next week?”

 

[Coach]

Spoiler: My Story

It was the night before the party that we'd been planning for months. Leif has only been visiting our town for only a short time, but the change had been absolutely amazing. Flowers are flourishing, crops are thriving and we can now cook countless recipes we couldn't even think of in the past. It's been great! Every neighbour has agreed to pitch in, all on a different thing. Alfonso is bringing the cake, Wendy's on balloon duty, Julian has baked some cookies, the list goes on! My main role has been to organise everyone, and hire the plaza for the event. Oh, and also I have been on confetti duty. I checked my Nookphone, the group chat for the party buzzing with activity, but mainly people saying goodnight before the big surprise. I said the same, a nice 'Goodnight everyone, see you bright and early for final prep!' then turned off my bedside lamp and closed my eyes.

I began to drift off, thinking of clouds and an anteater with excellent makeup, when suddenly a thought entered my mind...
"CONFETTI!" I involuntarily shouted out loud. How could I have forgotten! The one thing that I had volunteered to bring, and I forgot. In a flurry I grabbed my coat from my wardrobe, equipped it in one spinning motion and dashed outside. My bare feet felt the cold grass as I dashed to the Nookling's shop. "Please be open, pleasseee still be open!" I whispered to myself. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the door, the main lights were off. I shared the moment of despair with a moth fluttering near the door, who I expect also may have forgotten urgent party supplies. There wasn't any time to ask him, though, as time was of the essence. In my head I calculated the quickest route possible and began running again. Every house I approached, I began squinting from afar to try and notice any smoke emitting from the chimney. Nothing, nothing, nothing... How was it possible? I'd never known so many people to have an early night on the same day! Dejected, I checked the final house, and it was still showing no signs of life. Bummer.

Well, that was it. The shops wouldn't be open before early bird Leif arrives. I couldn't grovel at a friends house the morning of either, that would be far too embarrassing. I wandered in a rut of despair, ending up on the beach. At least the ocean was calming and serene to cheer me up slightly. I walked for a while, feeling the sand between my toes, when I bumped into something... No, someone! A bird was collapsed on the beach! The feathers tickled. He was a gull, by the looks of things, wearing a... Pirate outfit? I prodded him a few times, and couldn't get much out of him. All of the sudden, he jumped to life.

"AHOY, MATEY!!" he bellowed. "I AM THE MIGHTY GULLIVARRR. HOW DO YOU DO, LANDLUBBER?"

"Hi, dude. Cool hat, but you've sort of caught me at a bad time. I'm in the middle of sad contemplation now. Also, what's a landlubber?" I gloomily replied.

"ARR! Sorry to here that, matey. Well, a landlubber is simply someone who hasn't yet got a pair of sea legs. Not got a passion for the elements just yet."

"Passion for the elements... That's it! You're a star! The elements, those can solve my confetti conundrum!"

"ARRR, you're welcome skipper...Uh, what was that about Confetti?"

Before I could think of a response, my legs were already rushing me back home. I threw open my storage cupboard and rummaged until I found my scissors. I then walked at a sensible and safe pace (can't run with scissors) back outside, to the nearest tree. I gave it a shake and gathered a few of the leaves that scattered. Then, I got to work trimming eccentric shapes into the confetti. A clover, a star, a heart... You name it! I kept going until I had a whole bucketload of all different shapes. Relieved, I finally returned to my cosy bed and closed my eyes. An eco friendly solution to my problem, that Leif is sure to love. Thanks, Gullivarrr! You'll be a VIP guest at the party, and we'll go on a diving hunt later.

 

[Holla]

Spoiler: Bell Tree Island’s 20th Birthday Party

Every year around this time a large birthday celebration is held to commemorate the beginnings of Bell Tree Island. This year however is extra special as it’s a milestone year. It’s Bell Tree Island’s 20th Birthday party! In order to ensure that everything runs smoothly the villagers appoint a party organizer each year and this year that honour goes to Sasha the bunny. Sasha is new to Bell Tree Island but he is determined to do his very best as Bell Tree Island is very near and dear to his heart.

Sasha has enlisted the help of Merengue the rhino, Pietro the Sheep, and Rosie the cat. Merengue is the best sweets maker and baker period on the entire island. Making her the best villager to make the food and bake the largest, tastiest, most beautiful cake anyone has ever seen. Pietro on the other hand, is the life of the party and knows everything there is to know about balloons, streamers, confetti and you name it. Making him the perfect candidate to be in charge of the decorations. Finally, Rosie has always been such an eager go getter who loves to play and be silly. So Sasha has left her in charge of coming up with fun games and activities to do.

As the party loomed just a few days away, preparations were continuing exactly as Sasha had planned. Merengue was collecting all the ingredients needed for the food, Pietro had ordered all the supplies needed to make decorations, and Rosie was organizing the large stash of various games and activities she had down in her basement. It was looking to be a perfect party to celebrate Bell Tree Island’s 20th Birthday, or so everyone thought…

Unfortunately, just one day before the party tragedy struck. A massive storm struck Bell Tree and its neighbouring islands causing major damage from high winds and storm surges alike. The storm had cleared by mid afternoon but the damage was done. Trees uprooted, items strewn about and worst of all Rosie’s house that sat on the beach had its basement flooded therefore destroying her large collection of games and activities that she had planned for the big party tomorrow. To make matters worse, Merengue got a call from the neighbouring Sunshine island as her Grandmother was trapped inside her house due to a tree falling on it. So she had to leave promptly abandoning her baking and leaving all the food unprepared. Pietro appeared to be ok thankfully, though he had yet to receive the supplies he ordered for making decorations in the mail. Hopefully it’s just delayed due to the storm he thought. Though at the back of his mind he felt as if it might have been lost entirely at sea. Sasha was too busy with the cleanup effort and making sure everyone was safe to have time to worry about the party.

The day of the party arrived and everything was a disaster. Merengue had returned after freeing and checking on her Grandmother but not in time to have prepared any of the food. Rosie’s entire itinerary was in shambles and Pietro’s supplies truly were lost at sea. The entire Island gathered together at town hall as planned but there was nothing to see, hear, smell or do. A silent sadness descended upon all the villagers. Out of everyone Sasha was completely devastated. He felt at fault even though he hadn’t done anything wrong. He slowly sulked over to the nearest remaining tree and slumped up against it while letting out a deep sigh. Rosie with sad eyes came over and softly patted Sasha on the back. “It’s not your fault you know. We all know you tried your best. There’s not much one can do about Mother Nature” she said. After a long pause she continued “There must be something we can do, sure, it won’t be what we had planned but there must be some way to salvage the day. You’re our head organizer I’m sure there’s something you can come up with.” Sasha wracked his brain for some kind of idea. Nothing came to mind however. “Unfortunately Rosie, I-“ Sasha began but then he had a light bulb moment. “That’s it!” He exclaimed.

Sasha ran over to Merengue and asked her to gather together all the villagers with baking skills to make what they could. Then he hurried over to Pietro and suggested crafting decorations out of materials that could be found around the island with other villagers such as flowers and shells. Finally, upon reaching Rosie he suggested setting up some non-traditional games and activities with the help of others with the materials they had available such as musical chairs, an obstacle course, and pitfall sumo wrestling. With tons of new ideas flowing the villagers split up to work together in little groups. It took most of the day but the community of Bell Tree Island came together and put on one of the best birthday parties the island has ever seen.

The importance of the party wasn’t the food, decorations or games it was celebrating together as a community and that is what the Bell Tree does best.

 

[JemAC]

Tried to keep this short and sweet but it turns out I’m a waffler not a writer so apologies in advance!

Spoiler: A Fruity Fiasco

*Knock* *Knock*
The island was currently peaceful, surrounded by a certain silence that could only be found for a few hours in the early morning. Another sprinkling of snow overnight left the ground mostly undisturbed and pristine, bar a determined line of foot prints.
*Knock* *Knock*
A cold chill blew through the air, the winter breeze harsher around the islander homes closest to the sea. Wrapping her coat tighter around herself, Skye lifted a paw to knock again when she heard the turn of a handle, followed by a slight creak as the door opened.
“Skye? It’s 6am, are you okay?” Asked the pink, bleary eyed wolf stood in the doorway.
“I’m sorry for the early call,” replied Skye “with so much to get done before the party I found myself unable to relax.”
Freya sighed and moved aside, “you better come in then”.
Skye stepped into the home, the warmth instantly soothing the chill in her bones and putting her nerves at ease. Walking over to the counter she placed down her bags and began to unload an assortment of groceries. Freya shared her love of baking, something they’d bonded over when Skye moved to the island, and had agreed to do the catering for the party.
Running through the items she came to a halt when she was met with a puzzled look,
“Cherry tart?” questioned Freya
“Yes,” Skye answered “I’d heard he had a love of this particular fruit tart and thought it would be a nice surprise treat.”
“He does, a peach tart” countered Freya “Dobie is allergic to cherries.”
Skye stared at her dumbfounded, nerves running back into overdrive, all too aware of how little she knew about her fellow islanders. Sensing her unease, Freya placed a calming paw on her shoulder,
“Relax Skye” she stated “just find some peaches and I’ll whip up a perfect peach tart for his birthday”. Skye replied with a nod, feeling a tad more settled, and headed off to find this important ingredient.

Stopping off at Brewsters to grab a warm drink before her walk to the orchard, Skye stumbled into fellow islanders Whitney and Wolfgang. Due to work they were both up earlier then either would’ve liked but Whitney still met her with a bright smile.
“Skye!” She exclaimed “How’s the party coming along?”
“Not as well as I’d hoped so far. I’d wanted to surprise Dobie with his favourite treat but I bought the wrong fruit, I’m headed to the orchard now to grab some peaches.”
“You’re out of luck kid,” Wolfgang told her, eyes still fixed on his coffee “I passed there on my way here and the peach trees were bare”.
“What?! How can they all be gone?”
“Don’t worry,” reassured Whitney “we’ll just ask around, someone must have a few they could spare for such a special occasion. Wolfgang, you hold the fort at work while we find this peach hoarder”.
With a slight wave of the paw Wolfgang acknowledged the decision whilst Skye was ushered out of the cafe and back into the cold.

Conversing with Kyle was easier said then done, as usual he was engrossed in his music when they arrived at his home. It seemed they were so far having a stronger conversation with his guitar then the wolf himself who showed only a mild interest in his visitors and their dilemma.
“I’ve hardly left the house this winter, far too busy to be spending time fruit picking, especially in this weather”.
It was a good point, since moving to the island Skye had only seen the aspiring musician a couple of times and had quickly learnt he was one of the very reclusive residents. She also couldn’t imagine him fruit picking whatever the weather.
“You could try Vivian,” he suddenly suggested, surprisingly offering something helpful “she enjoys the quietness off the orchard for reading, she might’ve seen something”.
“Thanks Kyle,” Skye smiled at this new information “we’ll go and ask her”.

“Dobie doesn’t celebrate his birthday,” Vivian told them, indifferent to the problem at hand “he won’t want a party”
“We’ve spent ages planning this,” argued Skye “Dobie does so much for the island, it’s time he was shown how much he’s appreciated”
Vivian pondered it for a moment before finally setting her book down and putting her full attention on her fellow wolves, “if you’re serious about this then we better sort this problem out”.
A sigh of relief, they might finally be getting somewhere!
“This is a fashion emergency! What are we all going to wear?”
“Vivian!” Whitney exclaimed “the emergency is the peaches”
“Oh yes those, I did see Chief at the orchard yesterday - he appeared to be gathering up some fruits, perhaps you could check with him”
They expressed their gratitude as they re-entered the frosty surroundings, though Vivian had already moved away from their issue and back to her fashion conundrum.

Competing with Timmy and Tommy for Chiefs attention was a tricky battle, every time an opening appeared Chief would show a vague interest in another product and the interruptions would start again.
“Chief, this is important…”
“A hi-fi stereo? Those are in limited supply, so act fast if you’re serious…”
Skye sighed, she’d always been quiet and no good at confrontation so trying to stay firm was hard. Whitney on the other hand had no such problem, stepping between Chief, the twins and any other goods that could prove a distraction she got straight to the point.
“What were you doing at the orchard yesterday?” she asked accusingly
“The orchard?” he questioned “Why am I in trouble? Should I be calling a lawyer?”
“This isn’t a work visit Chief,” Whitney rolled her eyes “you’re really over imagining here”
“We just want some peaches,” pleaded Skye “it’s for Dobie, for his party”
“Oh for Dobie? Of course I’ll help Dobie!”
“Thank you so much!”
“I don’t actually have any peaches, I was picking up some oranges” he informed them apologetically “I can point you in the right direction though, on my way into the orchard I spotted Audie leaving and if my eyes weren’t deceiving me I’m certain she was carrying peaches!”
Making a hasty exit to an echo of thanks, despite not spending a bell, Skye and Whitney added to their ever growing footprints in the snow and headed across the island to their next stop.

“Skye! Whitney!” exclaimed Audie “How lovely to see you both!”
The most bubbly of the island residents, Audie was always excited to have visitors to her home.
“We were hoping you could help us with a problem” Whitney began “Chief suggested..”
“Chief?!” Audie interrupted “what’s he been saying about me?”
Skye shot Whitney a questioning look before trying to get things back on track, “it was just that you might have some peaches?”
Audie smiled, anger immediately vanishing, “I’m planning a DIY tutorial for a peach dress” she stated proudly
“A peach dress?!” Asked Whitney, shocked “Audie, please, that’s so last season!”
“What?! That can’t be,” whined Audie “I’ve got everything ready, my fans will be expecting something”
“How about an apple dress? They’re in this season,” offered Skye “then we could take those peaches for Dobies tart”
“That’s a great idea, now I don’t need to disappoint anyone!”
“This party might actually be a success now,” Skye beamed as she gathered up the precious fruit that Audie proudly handed over “now just to return to Freya so she can work her magic with these!”

“Surprise!”
Dobie looked shocked at the chorus of voices and the faces that met him as Isabelle led him into the museum. Blathers had kindly agreed to host the party, with Dobies love of nature and thirst for knowledge it seemed like the perfect setting.
“Wh-, what” he stammered “what’s going on?”
“It’s a party for you” Wolfgang told him “happy birthday old boy!”
“I never said I wanted a party!”
“That’s the point of the surprise,” Whitney began “Skye organised all this for you, you deserve something special”
“It wasn’t neces…” he stopped short, nose twitching in the air at a familiar smell that bought back happy memories long forgotten, “is that a peach tart?”
“It is,” Skye smiled “I’d heard it was your favourite”
“My ma used to make this for my siblings and I,” he visibly softened “well I suppose it would be rude to let it all go to waste, perhaps a little celebration wouldn’t hurt”

“You’ve done a really great job”, Skye shot a smile towards kindred soul Fang, the resident maths whizz often matched her anxious energy, though it was hidden beneath a cranky exterior. If anyone could sympathise about the chaos of the day it would be him, though Skye now knew they’d both find the amusement in this fruity fiasco.
“Thank you,” she smiled “it’s nice seeing everyone together enjoying themselves”
“I haven’t seen Dobie this happy in a long time” he told her as they both looked towards the birthday boy, slice of peach tart in his hand, sharing stories with Whitney and Wolfgang. Vivian and Freya were deep in conversation regarding the latest issue of their favourite fashion magazine. Even Audie and Chief were remaining cordial, dancing along to some of the music Kyle was providing. Skye watched them all happily, relieved at how well the party had turned out, finally content and at home with her new island life.