Overbaked

Written for myloveshine, October 2025.

Acrid, bitter smoke filled Kronk’s nose and dark clouds stung his eyes as he backed away slowly. A blast of searing heat roared in his face and he stumbled back, sweat dripping off his jawline. The smoke cleared, revealing a towering, groaning black lump of pastry.

Kronk bolted upright, clutching his teddy bear, Ukuku. Panting, he looked at the clock next to his bed. He wiped cold sweat from his face, catching his breath as he realised it had only been a nightmare.

What a relief it was to know the ghosts of burned spinach puffs past couldn’t hurt him.