Playmate

He loved playing in the forest.

Mother warned him not to stray far.

To this he was obedient.

One day he met a goblin in the woods, just his size.

They played all afternoon until dinner.

He told Mother of his new playmate.

She turned pale.

She spanked him and sent him to bed hungry and forbid him to play in the woods ever again.

He was furious.

He snuck away to play with the goblin to spite Mother.

They had gobs of fun in secret.

When it was time to sneak home, the goblin would playfully tweak his nose in farewell.

One day his friend wouldn't let go.

It was painful and he cried out.

But the goblin would not relent.

He watched as the creature took on his own appearance.

He felt himself freeze solid.

The changeling scampered off to answer Mother's call to return for dinner.

He was left a forgotten stone in the forest.