Usagi, the Celestial Chef
By Monica Lyrehart
The rabbit pounding moon-mochi is no furry friend. She is the Emperor of Heaven’s enslaved chef. She is coaxing the moon into a perfect cake when it hatches Inari the Fox, again.
She curls her work-hardened paw.
Out of clever words, Inari pleads, “Wait, Usagi! I’ll do anything!”
She beats him into filling, whispering, “be born a rabbit, next time.” Then folds moon skin over him.
When next, he is born, it’s as a perfect orange kit.
Usagi exclaims and boils him up, quick.
It isn’t easy being a celestial chef, especially when the emperor asks for heavenly rabbit stew.
Monica Lyrehart is a speculative fiction author, writing contest goblin, and “the best mommy ever.” Find her on bsky.