“We'll only be strangers for a short time. Pretty soon you're going to know me better than you know yourself. You're going to have a whole list of exotic recipes memorized for whatever chocolate you're craving. We'll build a chocolate empire together, and make sweet, sweet creations. I'm sorry this has to happen so quickly, this must be such a shock to you. I wish I could spare you from that unpleasant aspect.”
“I was scared at first. I should never have resisted though; I see now this is what I was always meant to be doing. I knew there had to be a reason that chocolate always called to me more than any other dessert. You were always my destiny, weren't you? The reward I've been waiting my whole life to taste.”
I nod, feeling my body start to disappear. “I wish I could stay longer and care for you, it is my sincerest regret that I'm fading now. Once I rest, I'll be back with you as soon as I can. Make sure you take care of yourself. Take a bath, make it nice and steamy.There’re some wonderful salts in there just for your use. There are also meals ready to heat up in the fridge, I had it spelled to read your thoughts and create the perfect meals for you. I will see you soon, my love, my sugar queen.”
I melt away, returning to my cup, shrinking into my powdered form inside the special bag. But as I rest, I feel her presence nearby, and it recharges me faster than ever. It won't be long until I'm crawling between those sweet thighs of her again and reminding her exactly what I can do for her.
Chapter 4
Devon
Stepping outside that cabin almost feels like I’m time travelling. The door closes behind me— red, hand carved, and far too cute to be functional, and the town lays sprawled in front of me like I didn’t just somehow have sex with a cup of hot chocolate.
Do I check myself in for treatment now or later?
The cool air cuts through the muddled inner workings of my brain, slowing my frantic heartbeat and forcing me to look around and appreciate just how beautiful this spot is. The trees have clearly been here for a long time, they’re tall and imposing and only slightly judgy, but now I’m a bit wary of basically everything. If a cup of hot chocolate can be a sentient person that has very strong…urges…what else around me can likewise turn into something resembling a human being?
My phone buzzes from my pocket, further severing my ties to the incredibly fake realm I must have just dreamt about. There’s no way that happened.
There’s still a ring on my hand, though.
“Hey, mom. You have no idea how much I needed a phone call from you today.”
“Oh no, what’ s happened? Did you finally break down somewhere on the side of the road? Is there a shady man trying to break into your car? Is he sniffing your panties?”
“Mom, have you been listening to those weird podcasts again? I’m telling you; those are all AI generated stories. That shit doesn’t happen in real life.”
She sighs and even the familiar banter is enough to make me smile and relax a little.“You’re probably right. Just today there was somebody that swore they were feeling sexual attraction to a cup of coffee, and they said it was reciprocated. I mean, how crazy is that? They were so convincing too—they had this whole personality created for their so-called lover. Went so far as to talk about soul mates and... maybe it’s time to switch to some nonfiction books for a while. Where are you? You still in that tiny little town you said was just a little strange?”
That coffee story was a bit too on the nose for my comfort. What the hell would I even tell my mom about who I’m apparently married to?
Ugh. There’s really no ‘apparently’ about it. I’m delusional.
As much as I wish I could say I dreamt the entire exchange with Chip, I’m walking just a little bit too funny to not have just had incredible sex. “Um, yeah. Strange little…town. Ya know, I think it’s growing on me.”
“Like a fungus, or like an extra set of limbs that allow you to do all kinds of cool things?”
“What does that even mean? I mean, I think I’m starting to feel the pull here. I’ve started talking to a few of the locals—"
“I’m sorry. I can’t even let you keep talking because I’m too excited. I’m here! I’m standing right next to your van right now. Surprise! I needed a change of scenery and the thought of spending the holidays alone again was too depressing. I figured, why not go to my daughter’s cheap motel room and be depressed together? It’s perfect!”
“I’m not—"
“Honey. You’re a little depressed. But that’s okay. Mommy’s here.”
I walk a little faster towards town, wondering how far of a walk it is to the motel. “Please don’t call yourself that. That got weird a long time ago. What do you mean you’re here? What about your job? You know, that thing that ties you down?”
“Oh. Well, we’re negotiating right now.”
“They don’t know you’re on vacation, do they?”
“They’ll learn to appreciate how hard I work for that company or I’ll take an early retirement and move in with you. Either way, I’m set. Where are you? Which room is yours? I’m sick of standing out here, I’m coming up.”
“Mom. First of all, I’m not at the motel. Please don’t go knocking on random doors. Second of all, I love you, but living together would not end well. You know this.”
I can almost see the end of the trees now, leading through a small grassy field and a split log fence, and then the town just about a block farther. “How did you even find me here? I’ve heard this town is hard to get into.”
“What, like they monitor who’s allowed inside the town’s limits? I just checked your location on your phone and put it into my maps app. Come on. I’m old, but I know how to use a phone. Is this like one of those towns where they’re going to get mad there’s an outsider here? Oh god, is it like bringing a guest to dinner when the cook doesn’t know they’re coming? Why didn’t you warn me, Devon?”
