As they walked toward the fruit stand under its green awnings, Karen saw that it was almost overflowing with fresh apples, bananas, oranges, pears, and other fruits lying in baths of ice. Bottles of soda pop sat chilling in metal tubs of ice. Everything was cold and fresh and perfect to eat.
The man working at the stand shouted, “Come and get your delicious cold fruit and drinks here!”
She asked Pegasus, “What looks good to you, boy?”
He thought for a moment and then answered, “You know, Kitten, since I’ve been fully alive I’ve become very fond of fruit. I have eaten apples and bananas and some others, but never a pear. Not even one. So, I think that’s what I would like, if it’s all right with you. My very first pear on this very special day.”
“Sure,” she said. “If you like apples, you’ll love pears.”
“And you know what else, Kitten? I think I’d like to order it myself.”
“You mean you’re going to talk to the man at the stand?”
“Yes! This is the Magical Kingdom, and I think it will be just fine. Everyone here expects to encounter something wonderful and something magical. They’ll think I’m just part of the show.”
Karen laughed and said, “I’m sure they will, boy, but you’re never just part of anything. You’re the star.”
They laughed some more, and then got into line. When their turn came, the vendor asked Karen, “What would you like, young lady?”
To his surprise, Karen kept quiet as Pegasus answered, “Actually, sir, I would like a pear for myself. My friend already got a Mickey Mouse pretzel for herself. And how much will a pear cost?”
All of a sudden, everyone around them stopped talking for a moment, and then several people said at once, “It’s a talking horse! Isn’t Disneyland just the best! How do they do these things? He looks so real, and now he’s going to eat a pear.”
The man at the stand took a step backward and then said, “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were cast members. No charge for you, then. But which movie are you from? I know Mister Ed, but that’s not Disney.”
Karen felt her heart sink and did not know how to reply, but Pegasus said, “We shall be in a forthcoming feature film. It’s still in the early planning stage.”
Karen and Pegasus turned around and into the Town Square, where they found a quiet space where they could eat together.
©2021, Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.
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