CHAPTER 2
MAZINGLA
After returning from his hike with Quinn, Fletcher was immediately grounded for a week.
“This will teach you to just take off like Columbus searching for America,” Refinna yelled. She was so livid her bright red glasses were so steamed she could no longer see her nephew.
Fletcher sat in a chair on the front porch of his aunt’s home. “But I was given permission by Aunt Winola,” Fletcher explained, though cautiously. “She said I could go.”
“Clearly, you took advantage of your poor aunt Winola. You know very well how absorbed she gets when she is doing her work. The tasting of the peach-plum pops is very serious work. Asking her to go on a ridiculous hike just when she is most vulnerable, shame on you, Fletcher. You’re a master manipulator, if I must say so myself. Clearly, you get that from your mother. How many times do I have to tell you to always check in with me?”
“But you were participating in a virtual town meeting,” he replied, knowing it was a lost battle.
“Clearly, perfect timing on your part. Clean the Hackle Krackle mixing chambers right now, and when you’re finished with that, do the taffy-pulling machine after the store closes. That’ll teach you to take advantage of us,” Refinna said. “Now get going, and remember: Not. A. Spot. You hear me, Fletcher?”
