Cookies

 

Once there was a boy who wanted some cookies.

He saved all pennies and he did all the odd jobs his parents offered in order to earn more. While his siblings spent their money on candy and toys, he saved.

Then, when he had saved enough, the bought all the things he'd need for the cookies. Flour, chocolate chips, all the things his mother said cookies were made from.

With supplies in hand, the boy went to visit his Grandfather.

When Grandfather heard what the boy wanted, he led his grandson into the kitchen.

"Here is how the cookies are made," Grandfather said, guiding the boy through each step. And with each step, Grandfather told stories of his mother, who learned the secret of making cookies from her mother, who learned from her father, who learned it from his great grandfather, who was taught the secret ways of cookie making by a witch who lived in the woods.

"Really?" Asked the boy, his eyes wide as they put the cookies into the oven.

"That is the story each member of our family who learns how cookies are made is taught." Grandfather said with a solemn nod. "You'll not find another cookie like these, even if they use the same ingredients. The measurements will not stay on paper, nor will they leave your mind now that you have learned them. These cookies are the best you'll ever taste, so long as you only make them with good intentions."

"What happens if you aren't good when you make them?" The boy asked.

"Terrible things. You see, our many greats grandfather was not alone when he learned the secrets of cookie making from the witch. His sister also learned them, but then misused the knowledge she'd been given." Grandfather shook his head in sorrow and stared at the oven. "She abused the power of the cookies, and was consumed by the very oven she'd baked them in."

The timer dinged, and the boy shakily helped his grandfather take the cookies out of the oven.

Then the boy and his grandfather each ate a cookie while it was still hot, savoring the yumminess. For the cookies were delicious, and the boy made a promise to himself that he would never misuse their powers.