The Princess and the Pea [Shoots] – A Horror Story

This is a story of Drama, of Terror, and of Infestation. The horror!

And it all started only with some dried peas.

They were minding their own business, as peas do. They had no idea what was in store. They hoped for the best outcome, to grow and create their own families. All their little pea dreams were stored up in their hard shells, just waiting.

Then! The day came! Dry soil, but then water, and warm sun. The peas rejoiced and eagerly put up their first green shoots! They climbed eagerly for the sun, becoming dense and green and healthy. They saw water every few days, and life was good.

But then… they started to grow crowded. They jostled each other for the light and for footholds for their tendrils. What was this, some sick joke? The water failed once or twice, and they worried for the future. The nutrients in the soil were growing weaker. The uncertainty was palpable.

But the sun was still good, and water came every few days just in the nick of time. Till one day, without warning, a number of them… ceased to be. One minute they were there, vibrant and green, and the next they were not. What had happened to them? The rest would never know, but it happened right after a huge shadow overtook the tray. Thunderous noise seemed to be making the sounds of “see, it’s delicious” but they had no idea.

That was the beginning of the end, although they didn’t know it at the time. Soon came the day of The Teeth. Little did they know, but this residence was also home to a Princess, and she was hungry.

Feeling faint, they had just gotten some water, panting with exhaustion and greedily drinking it in. But before they were able to stretch out their shoots and try to untangle a few of the increasingly shrubby tendrils, a new shadow. Smaller, but much sharper. Dainty teeth and hot breath closed in on shoot after shoot, decimating their ranks. The remaining plants shivered in horror. Finally the monster had its fill and left, and they were able to recover slightly.

But, the story was not yet over. One final horror was yet to emerge, this time from the very soil in which they stood. Bugs, tiny and ravenous, started to come up and drink the moisture from the soil that was their haven. Was there no end to this madness?

Today, a few stalwart sentinels survive, hoping to find purchase in some deeper soil before the end. But hope wanes, and the light fades. Maybe next year.