Toon It Up: Brownie Indulging (Preview)

Mustering as much confidence and self-assurance in her beliefs as possible, the woman made her approach.

The toon didn’t notice her coming up from behind until Mizuki was right beside her. The chubby pink bear looked surprised, exclamation marks appearing above her head. Only briefly though, quickly shaking her head to be rid of them.

Turning on a professional demeanor, as much as a toon can have, the bear beamed. “Hiya! You look like someone who could appreciate some scrumptious brownies!”

Mizuki glanced at the nametag of the worker quickly before answering. “Actually, I would like only a small slice of one of your brownies, Patty. The smallest you can make, please.”

“Small, huh?” The pink bear scratched her chin with her thick gloved mitts. “I dunno. Looks like you could do with a lotta brownies!”

“No!” Mizuki snapped. As soon as she said it, she took a deep breath and released it, stepping back. “I am sorry, I mean to say I would prefer to only have a small bite. That is all.”

“Mmmmkay.” Patty was frowning. Whether it was because of Mizuki’s outburst or that she wouldn’t have a large piece of her treat, the human couldn’t say.

Regardless, the toon took one of the brownies and slices a small bit of it with a plastic fork. She placed it on a paper plate and handed it to her. “Enjoy.” Her tone was so flat. It was best to eat it as fast as possible and leave the ursine alone.

Mizuki took the plate and picked up the sliver of her chocolate dessert. It smelled even better up close and felt soft and plush, like it was freshly baked. Her foot twitched, a bead of sweat dripping down her forehead. Come on. You can do this.

Her maw opened, and without further hesitation, she plopped the brownie in. It hit her tongue, its sugary goodness lighting up her taste buds. After all the “nothing” she ate for a long time, it was like experiencing heaven.

The tongue flicked it between her teeth, and she began to chew. Swiftly, it was mush and then gone with a quick swallow. The delightful experience passed just as fast as it had left.

Her heart had raced briefly, eating it, but it began to settle. Mizuki stood there blanky, her mind empty. She had done it. At long last, she had finally faced her fear head on, and it was over.