Submission (#4967) Approved

Gloom, the Glowshroom Gatherer, had been tasked with gathering a variety of mushrooms for a big feast in the nearby village. As a Kittom, Gloom had a natural affinity for mushrooms and had a good idea of where to find the best ones. He set out early in the morning, eager to gather as many mushrooms as he could.

Gloom's first stop was to a nearby forest, where he knew he could find the most delicious mushrooms. He scurried through the dense undergrowth, using his sharp claws to grip onto branches and logs. Gloom was so focused on his mission that he did not notice the sudden rustling behind him. When he turned around, he found himself face-to-face with a mischievous group of raccoons who had been following him. Gloom's eyes widened in fear, and he let out a shocked scream, dropping all the mushrooms he collected from the surprise. The raccoons burst out laughing, amused by Gloom's reaction, and left him alone for the time being. With tears coming out of his eyes, he promised that he would try to be braver next time.

Feeling a bit shaken, Gloom continued on his quest He soon found himself in a fungal cavern, where the mushrooms grew in large clusters. Gloom eagerly began to pluck the mushrooms, his tail twitching with excitement. Suddenly, he heard a faint rumbling sound, and the ground began to shake. Gloom looked up just in time to see a giant boulder rolling towards him. Old dusty vines must have been holding up the rocks, and loosened when he picked the mushroom clusters! With a cry of fear, he dashed out of the cavern, his heart pounding.

Now feeling very scared and disheartened, Gloom decided to head back to the village without any more stops. As he was making his way back through the forest, he suddenly caught sight of the most beautiful mushrooms he had ever seen. They glowed in the dappled sunlight and seemed to beckon him closer. With a renewed sense of purpose, Gloom began to make his way towards the mushrooms. However, as he got closer, he heard a strange buzzing noise. Suddenly, a swarm of bees burst out from the mushrooms, angry at Gloom for disturbing their hive! Gloom let out a loud wail and ran away as fast as he could, dropping some of his days collection as he fled.

Finally, Gloom made it back to the village, feeling very sorry for himself. When he presented his small collection of mushrooms, the other consoled him and told him that it was okay. The others showed Gloom their own gatherings, and piled together, it was enough for the feast.

Gloom couldn't help but feel embarrassed, but he also realized how tough the entire day was. He knew he had tried his best, and that’s all any of the other kittoms could ask of him. He resolved to be braver and more careful on his future mushroom-gathering adventures as he joined his friends for the night’s feast.