Honey, I’m Home

Summary

A young girl confronts and ultimately defeats the self-proclaimed "Master of the Golden Nectar" in his treehouse lair, believing him to be a monster intent on consuming her friend's heart.

Abstract

In a whimsical tale of adventure, a girl intrudes upon the lair of a peculiar character known as the Master of the Golden Nectar, who resides in a treehouse with his pet pig. Despite the Master's protests of innocence, the girl, driven by the belief that he is a monster, kills him with a stake and then casually helps herself to his honey, showcasing a blend of childhood innocence and dark humor. The story is inspired by Patrick Metzger's "Back of Beyond" and the author's childhood heroes, reflecting a creative intertwining of different narrative threads.

Opinions

The girl views the Master as a monster due to his intentions to "taste" her friend's heart, which she sees as an unforgivable act.
The Master's self-defense and clarification that he only intended to "taste" and not "eat" the heart is seen as insufficient justification for his actions.
The girl's nonchalant behavior after the confrontation, such as asking for toast and taking honey, adds a layer of dark humor to the narrative.
The author's inspiration from another story and a childhood hero suggests a personal connection to the themes of heroism and morality presented in the tale.
The story may imply a commentary on the nature of monstrosity and the subjective interpretation of right and wrong, especially through the eyes of a child.

A story of loss and redemption

The girl bursts into his lair, a small, comfy house, carved into the trunk of a gigantic tree, in the middle of the park. Examining the short, rotund being wearing only a red shirt, no pants, with a pet pig, she quizzically asks, “You’re the Master? Really?”

“Yes. I am the Master — of the Golden Nectar. And who are you, child?”

“No need for introductions. I’m here to slay you and then off to prom. Do you like my new dress. I got it special, for my dreamy,” she replies, matter-of-factly.

“Slay me? But why?”, the master squawks, horrified.

She looks perplexed. “Duh! Because you're a monster! You were going to cut out my friend’s heart and eat it. Pure monster.”

“I wasn’t going to eat it. I was just gonna taste it,” the Master exclaims.

“Doesn’t make it any better, you know,” she rejoins.

With the dexterity of a trained gymnast, she cartwheels over to the Master and expertly drives a stake through his heart. As the stake pierces the little yellow bear’s heart, he murmurs, “Oh, bother,” and turns to dust.

Taking a pot of honey from the table, she enquires, “ Is there any toast?”

I was inspired to write this story by Patrick Metzger’s story Back of Beyond, and one of my childhood heroes.

Paul Mansfield is a writer, a photographer, a guitar player, a philosopher — some he does well, some not so well, but he still tries them all.

You can follow him on Twitter @pmansfield.

If you like these stories, try writing one of your own, based upon my world here.

STOLEN WORLDS

Honey, I’m Home

A story of loss and redemption

Back Of Beyond

It’s a pretty little place, so be careful

Drink Your Troubles Away

Let it roll, baby, roll