A Short Story: Herman the Frog and a Place to Call Home

Over the next three weeks, Herman and his neighbors worked tirelessly on their Shroomville Glow Party outfits. Sequins, buttons, patterned textiles, and tricolored fabrics flowed in abundance through Herman’s sewing machine; every detail of their outfits had to be perfect for the Shroomville Glow Party. When Herman and his neighbors were not working on their party outfits, they were enjoying dinner at each other’s homes, practicing tai-chi, or going out to enjoy the never-ending activities Shroomville had to offer.

The next three weeks in the company of new friends and settling in a new place went by fast, and before Herman knew it, the Shroomville Glow Party was only a day away. The night before the party, Herman and his friends put the finishing touches on their outfits. As Herman lay awake in bed that night, he thought about how this would be the first time since living in Lilly Meadows that he would be debuting his second pair of glitzy dance pants. Although Herman had been enjoying Shroomville and the creatures of the land, he was still a little nervous about how the community would receive him and his pants.

Unable to sleep the night before, Herman did not wake up the next day until it was close to the afternoon. Loud, boisterous knocks stirred Herman out of his slumber. Sleepily Herman went to answer the door and found his friends with their outfits and sweet and savory brunch casseroles in tow. Herman welcomed his friends inside, went into the bathroom to wash up, and then joined his friends in the dining room. Over brunch, Sunny noticed Herman’s drab countenance. "What’s wrong, Herman?" Sunny inquired, and then Herman started to explain how he was nervous about the glow party. Herman’s friends reassured him there was no reason to be nervous, and then Herman recounted the day in Lilly Meadows when he debuted his glitzy dance pants.

Herman’s friends listened intently to his story and then told him there was no need to fret because they would be right there beside him the entire night. Herman and his friends finished their brunch and then began to get ready; for a party as live and vibrant as the Shroomville Glow Party, it would take the rest of the afternoon and part of the evening to get ready. Night fell just as Herman and his friends were spraying on glow-in-the-dark glitter to complete their ensembles. As they approached the front door to leave for the party, Herman froze. "We’re right here beside you," Becks the turtle said, and then Herman opened the door and allowed the sweet, salty, savory, and sour smells coming from the food trucks to lead the way to the glow party.

As Herman and his friends walked up to the open courtyard, all eyes fell on them. Josephine felt Herman’s anxiety and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. Moments later, everyone at the party started complimenting Herman and his friends on their outfits, especially Herman’s glitzy dance pants. After the warm welcome, Herman and his friends began to blend into the crowd and join in on the festivities. Towards the end of the party, Herman saw a shooting star and followed it. Herman came to the edge of the courtyard just as the shooting star disappeared. Herman felt as though he had everything he could ever ask for, so instead of wishing on a star, he simply gave thanks. "Thank you, Buddy," Herman shouted with a smile as he looked up at the sky, and then a butterfly came in riding on the cool breeze, landed on Herman’s nose, and said, "Call me Bud."

~ The End