Larisa and Hannah took crayons and some comfits.
«Only bumblebees can pollinate the clovers,» Larisa said to Hannah, pointing to the leaves.
«I hate bees,» the girl replied.
«I said bumblebees,» specified Larisa. «Not just bees.»
«My biologist.» Nina proudly stroked her daughter’s hair.
«How do you know?» Hannah felt a vexation, for the younger girl had known something that she, Hannah, did not.
«Uncle Ruslan told me,» Larisa explained, then looked at Nina. «Dad said that leprechauns don’t exist.»
«It’s not true!» Hannah cried angrily. «In school our teacher placed on a table some books, and a chocolate golden coin in the middle. Then we all went outside and saw a rainbow. When we returned to the classroom the chocolate was gone, the books were messed, and a cloverleaf was lying in the middle. Certainly, a leprechaun took the coin. Who else could do it?»
«I do believe in leprechauns,» uttered Larisa peacefully, and the girl gazed at the parade again.
Megan hugged her daughter and laughed. She looked at Marina without spite or anger and all her worries and jealous fears seemed for Megan now absurd and ridiculous.
When Vlad woke up this April morning, he saw his wife hurriedly dressing and smartening Larisa up, and he was surprised. It was Saturday, and his daughter had no school.
«Count-Mart is having a special event,» Nina explained to her husband. «They offer free breakfast for kids, and afterward they take a photo of the children. Do you want your picture taken with the Easter Bunny?» she asked her daughter, and the girl nodded.
Leaving the house, the Lapins heard the siren reminding the residents of the Cold War, as it was 10 a.m. The Russians laughed. «We are coming, we are coming!»
* * * * *
Vlad drove to the local supermarket, kissed his wife and daughter, and dropped them off.
Arriving, Nina received a coupon from the smiling organizer, and went into the indoor café. Larisa quickly ate the breakfast. She liked pancakes, and her mother watched the girl with happiness in her heart. Afterwards, Nina thoroughly cleaned her daughter’s face, and touched the bows on her pigtails.
«My beauty.» She smiled. «Let’s take a picture with the Bunny.»
Obediently, Larisa got up, but when she saw this creature, and stood still.
It was not the rabbit the girl was prepared to see. It was a monster, a furry horrible monster. It was bigger than Mom, and probably even taller than Dad. The giant motionless eyes stared at her. His long fangs, glistening from above, appeared capable of biting her through with one bite, and the huge stomach seemed to already contain some eaten up children.