Chapter Text
Leonard raced downstairs in a heap of excitement, it was his younger sister’s birthday. He knew that there would be balloons filling the living floor, all written with sharpie happy birthday. He jumped into the pile of balloons and threw them up into the air, watching as they slowly fell back down all around him. Laura was still sleeping, she was turning 3, and it was too early for her to get up. Lenny glanced over at the time, 6am.
“Only two more hours until everyone gets up. Plenty of time with me and the balloons.”
While he was playing he couldn’t help but taste a hint of charcoal, thinking that milk would help he grabbed the jug and began to pour himself a glass. His parents were strict about what they can and can’t eat or drink, Lenny knew that if he was caught he would be in big trouble.
“It’s fine, they’re aren’t gonna be up until 8, they won’t know.”
Just then Laura appeared in the doorway scarring Lenny half to death. He put down the milk and grabbed another cup for her.
“We have to be quiet. Happy birthday Laura!” Lenny whispered, going in for a hug.
As soon as his arms wrapped around her the taste of charcoal grew stronger, he pulled back from their hug and began dry heaving. Laura was too scared to do anything and just stared at Lenny as he choked out a piece of coal into his hands. The taste of coal was still there, so he put the chunk onto the counter and began chugging the milk. Laura walked up to him pointing at the glass of milk he had poured out for her, as he handed it to her, he saw the charcoal’s inside began glowing green. He put it into his pocket and forgot about it, until he held Laura’s hand and threw up another piece. This one hurt his throat, and he couldn’t bear to throw up another piece. Finally after what felt like only minutes their parents got out of bed.
“Someone got up early. Happy birthday Laura.”
“Yes Mom, I wanted to play with the balloons before any of them popped.” Lenny said guiltfully
His mother stepped out of the kitchen to give him a kiss on the forehead, knowing what happened when he touched Laura he backed up. She stopped, confused on why he wouldn’t want affection from her, until she saw his pocket flash a color of green.
“Lenny, why is your pocket glowing green?”
“Oh, uh- pieces of coal. Every time I touch Laura I throw up a piece of coal.”
“What do you mean, throwing up pieces of coal? How long has this been happening?”
Her voice was more stern, she was serious. Whenever she was serious it was because he had done something wrong. Tears began to form in his eyes, his voice began to tremble.
“It started this mor- this morning. And I keep tasting coal in the back of my throat-”
“Leonard, this is serious. Coal represents evil spirits of the Sunset Dawn. We need you to stop doing this. This is not funny.”
“No I-”
“Do not speak back to me! Your father will take you to the pastor and they’ll figure out what is happening.”
Without thinking he grabbed his mom’s hand, and she saw the clump of coal drop onto the carpet.
“LEONARD! Not the carpet! We have to wash this right away! Grab the coal and throw it out of the village.”
Just then his father grabbed Lenny’s arm and marched out of the house and straight to the church’s steps. Lenny tripped over his legs trying to keep up with his father, crying the whole way towards the church. Finally after 10 minutes of crying and walking they made it to the church, his father swung Lenny in front of him and pushed him along. Lenny wiped his tears as the pastor walked up to them, trying to explain what’s been happening. His father shook his head and headed out of the room, leaving the two of them alone to figure out how to fix his curse.