smileyvalley

[smileyvalley]

Smiley Valley

This Little Piggy was Lonely

If you ask Picky to describe Smiley Valley, she would normally tell you all about the cute small town where everyone knew everyone. The town she had grown up and knew as well as the back of her hand. On a great day she might even lead you to her favorite places including the frog pond on the edge of town. Today however was not one of those days.

Living in such a picturesque town is a dream come true for most people, but for the nine year old piglet it was like living in solitude. While Picky was well acquainted with everyone in town and had never had problems with her neighbors, all the townspeople were out of her age range. Her previous playmate had recently moved to the city to attend college and Mrs. Bell’s baby wasn't due for another three months. Safe to say, Picky was bored in a town full of boring adults.

Picky kicked a rock off the front porch grumbling about her boring town.

“Picky, a lady doesn't mumble.” Her grandmother admonished as she walked out of the house and on to her porch swing. “Now use your words and tell me what's got your apples so sour.”

“I'm bored Granny. Ever since Daisy left I've got nobody to play with.” Picky said dramatically, throwing herself on her grandmother's lap.

Granny hummed in acknowledgement, “Oh Lovebug, we all miss her, but she'll be back to visit soon. You just have to be patient.”

“But Granny I'm gonna die of boredom before she gets here!” Picky cried out.

“Now Picky. What's this about dying?” Granny and Picky were surprised by the unexpected visitor.

“Hi Henry!” Picky quickly jumped up to greet the guest walking on the trail leading to the farmhouse. The tall red bear was no stranger to the Piggy household.

“Picky! That is not how you greet your elders. Now apologize to Mr. Bearhug.” Granny chastised.

“Oh no Mrs. Pinky. None of that Mr. title, I was your son's friend. We are practically family.” Henry stated.

“Of course you're family Henry. I just want Picky to learn to be a respectful young lady.” Granny insisted.

“I see. Well how about we compromise. Since we're family, Picky can call me Uncle Henry if it's alright with you.” Henry said with a wink.

Granny nodded, gesturing to the door. “That would be fine. Now please come in for some tea and cookies. Do you still like raspberry jam?”

“Absolutely. I was hoping to take some home with me if you have any to spare. My girls have been begging me for it.” Henry said laughing.

The three critters sat in the kitchen drinking warm tea and a light snack of sugar cookies and toast with raspberry jam. Picky noticed her jam slipping from her toast and quickly licked the sweet jelly. Her grandmother made a disapproving noise while Henry chuckled at the sight. Picky smiled with delight.

“It's good to see you in better spirits, Picky. Can I ask what happened earlier that upset you?” Henry questioned the piglet.

Picky sighed sadly, “Uncle Henry, did you miss my dad when you moved to Critter City?”

“Of course Picky, he and I were best friends. Is this about your dad?”

“No. My friend Daisy went to college and I miss her. She was my only friend and now I don't have anyone to play with.” Picky said tearfully.

“Oh Picky, that is very sad. You must feel so lonely being the youngest critter around here.” Henry spoke with sympathy. He pulled the piglet into a hug just as he would with his own daughters. With his daughters in mind he decided to address a topic he had been debating for awhile.

“Ms. Pinky, I've been meaning to ask you this for some time and I think this may help Picky as well.” Henry paused for a moment to retrieve his wallet from his pocket. He opened it to pull out a small photograph of his daughters. “I've told you about my daughter's before, haven't I?”

Granny reached for the picture affected by Henry. “Oh Henry, they are precious. How old are they?”

Henry beamed, “Billie just turned two and Bobby is actually Picky's age. Which is the reason I was thinking it may be time to have you meet my girls. As you know, I come here every week for business and the girl I usually hire to babysit is going to college as well. Would it be possible for them to stay with you when I'm in town?”

“Of course Henry. Next time you're in town just stop by here first.” Granny smiled, handing the picture back to Henry.

Instead of tucking the photo into his wallet, Henry showed it to the piglet on his lap. “Well, what do you think, Picky? Would you like to meet my daughters?”

Picky took a good look at the picture in Henry's hand. There were two bears sitting on an armchair. The older bear had bright red fur that reminded Piggy of the roses in Granny's garden with salmon on her hands and muzzle. The younger bear was a lighter shade of red with the same salmon color on her hands and snout. Both cub girls were wearing matching pink and white polka dotted dresses.

“Do you think they'll like me, Uncle Henry?” Picky asked nervously.

“Absolutely. Bobby is a sweetheart and Billie loves to play. I guarantee you girls will become fast friends, just like your daddy and I.”

Picky felt her heart flutter with excitement. She couldn't wait to meet Uncle Henry’s daughters. The girls in the picture looked so pretty, she would need to dress her best to set a good impression. Maybe she could help her grandmother bake an apple pie or cookies or both.

Soon, Henry Bearhug’s visit came to an end. Before he departed he handed Granny Pinky an envelope with cash in exchange for two crates filled jams and pickled veggies. The adults agreed the date of Henry's next visit with his daughters.

Picky was ecstatic. For the first time in a while, Smiley Valley did seem to live up to its name. Picky just couldn't shake the smile off her face.

🐷🍎

[smileyvalley]

Picky Piggy

*Picky is the first member of the Smiling Critters to live in Smiley Valley.

*Her family has owned and managed a farm in Smiley Valley for generations.

*She was raised by her Grandmother, Pinky Piggy. Her mother abandoned her and her father died when she was young.

*Picky is caring, generous, and strong-willed.

*She is a skillful cook and will insist on feeding everyone. No one in Smiley Valley will go hungry on her watch.

*Despite living on a farm, her grandmother tried to teach Picky to act like a proper lady. Picky enjoys dressing up and keeping things neat and clean, but she is brash and short tempered.

*Her apple pendant hangs on her favorite pearl necklace. The shirt tied around her waist used to belong to her father. The bracelet on her left hand was a gift from Bobby.

🐷🍎

(🍊🍋🍋‍🟩)

[smileyvalley]