Light glittered through the translucent leaves of the forest. Dry leaves crunched under her boots as she marveled at the glory of autumn. She breathed in, cherishing the opportunity to get away from it all.

Suddenly, a small figure popped into view, shattering the image.

“Not you again,” the girl groaned.

“Ohhh, don’tcha be happy to see me?”

“No! I had enough of you three minutes ago!”

“Har hee!” The little man suddenly appeared behind another tree. “You’re funny, you are!”

The girl grimaced. “Look, can’t you hang out with your other…leprechaun friends?”

The man looked offended. “Why, little missie, I’ll have you know I’m no such thing! I’d sooner string a leprechaun up than have him as a fellow, don’tcha know!”

“Whatever.” The girl walked away, praying that the little idiot munchkin wouldn’t follow her.

“Wait!” he cried, popping to yet another tree nearer to the girl, “This is yours, is it not?” He held out a purple handkerchief.

“Where did you get that?!?”