Shhh! Scribbler at Work

Thick as Porridge

[prompt: 'discover' 20/12/2018]

"ALL this for the Nisser, Mor?" Helene's eyes widened. The saucepan of rice porridge was HUGE.

Annelise smiled down at her small daughter. "Well... not ALL, honey. We'll have a small serve for dessert tonight, too."

"But can't I have just a tiny serve now? Please Mor? Oh p-l-e-a-s-e!"

Although Annelise intended a firm "no-o-o", somehow the words came out, "Ah well-ll, perhaps just a spoon... or two. But not until I'm finished!" Impossible to refuse those imploring brown eyes.

The anticipation of licking her Mor's biggest wooden spoon AND the saucepan, had Helene grinning from ear to tiny ear, eyes shining and cheeks dimpling.

"What a cheerful picture for a man to come home to," Karl said as he trudged into the kitchen, his mood brightening as he kissed his wife's cheek, warm from the hot oven. Before he could draw breath, his little Helene was clinging to his legs as though she hadn't seen him for a year, instead of early this morning.

"You're late today, dear." Annelise worried when the snow was this deep, and roads became slippery and treacherous.

Karl shook his head, abruptly serious. "Aarr... it's Torben. He waylaid me when I collected feed for the hens. He's been having a dose of trouble on his farm." Karl sat down at the table, weary now from his heavy day's work.

"Trouble?" Annelise spooned porridge into her largest bowl.

"It's the Nisser... he just won't accept them. Has to discover their ill-will the hard way, one disaster after another. Fences breaking down; cows' milk gone sour; crops all mouldy..." Karl rubbed his forehead. "I've told him - over and over - this is what happens if you don't keep those elves happy with their weekly ration of rice pudding. Like we do. Like that," and he pointed to the bowl on the cupboard top, beginning to cool.

Now Helene's small face grew thoughtful, almost fearful. "Torben didn't believe how naughty his Nisser could be without their rice porridge, Mor." Helene took a deep breath, filled her cheeks up tight and blew a loud phew-w-w-w. "... and he told Far he didn't believe in all that stuff or that the Nisser were REALLY real." She stopped for another lick of the big wooden spoon, "... and... and... " Although Helene ran out of breath, she was still able to roll her eyes and purse her lips tightly like her old school-teacher.

Annelise's eyes twinkled. "And remember how Far told him he never has Nisser problems—"

"Because he ALWAYS gives them their big supper bowl of rice pudding EVERY single week." Helene nodded her head vigorously, small mouth pinched up again in a most self-righteous fashion. "I believe, Mor. Except..." and her expression changed as her small brow furrowed. Peering up at her mother, Helene clucked her tongue. "It's just that... I don't know Mor. I don't know why there are cross, mean Nisser. I thought they were cheerful little elves, helping Julemanden make the presents for all the children for Christmas. Isn't that right, Mor?"

"Oh yes indeed. The Julenisser are ALWAYS happy and busy at the toy workshop." Annelise handed her the porridge bowl. "It's the all-year-round Nisser who look after the farm. And ours won't be so happy either if you keep them waiting much longer." Annelise's loving smile softened her words. "Up to the loft with you now, my own little elf..."