Promising Plum

"Smell anything?" Stick asked nervously.

Ambrosía could feel the anxiety in her brother's voice. The disappearances of his friends without any explanation and no return was driving him insane.

"No, Stick! You need to chill," Litchi sighed in frustration. She was always confident that everything was going to result in the most definite success and there would be no end. "No predators exist on this island, and they aren't going simply to fly over the horizon to eat us; we're dodo birds, okay? I've seen the ocean, and trust me; it's ENDLESS."

Ambrosia knew her sister was lying, but again, only because the truth would be too much for Ambrosia to handle. At least, that's what Litchi always said. Nevertheless, Litchi's yellow feet were trembling.

Ambrosia felt her stomach grumble once more and tried a word, "Plum?"

Stick immediately surged ahead and said, "Sure, I know the best groves in every direction until the ocean. Is it going to be sweet or sour today?"

"Sweet," Ambrosia pleaded. Last time she picked sour, and Stick chose a Plum so sour it was bitter. Ambrosia never washed the taste off her beak.

Stick disappeared for a moment and reappeared with a Plum a few seconds later. Ambrosia devoured the delightful fruit in less than a minute without noticing the look Stick gave Litchi. She did notice when Litchi disappeared, and Stick went after her. Ambrosia struggled to keep up with Stick's pace but feel behind.

"Stay where you are, Ambrosia!" Stick growled in her direction. "The strangers are here again." She continued after him.

Litchi turned towards Ambrosia and pleaded, "Ambrosia, please! You must promise me to stay put, if something happens, you can tell Mom and Dad!" Litchi's worried face was too much for Ambrosia.

"I promise!" Ambrosia announced loyally. Litchi's face broke into a huge smile. Stick trudged ahead, and Litchi followed suit. Ambrosia stared at the surrounding trees, wondering what they were up to.