Jason watched in despair as the snow-white gobbler fled, emitting a gurgling sound as if it was mocking him. It has been a few days since he entered the forbidden forest and it was the third gobbler that escaped him.
Jason fell on the ground, panting for breath. He closed his eyes trying to calm his racing heart. If he doesn't catch anything today, he won't make it in time for Thanksgiving.
Jason gritted his teeth as he sat up. What should he do now? It took him days to track the gobbler that got away, he doesn't have the luxury of time.
As he was wallowing in dejection, Jason spied something not far from him. His pupils contracted, he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Jason scrambled to his feet. He stumbled and almost fell a couple of times but he didn't care. His focus was on the plant, swaying with the breeze, not far from him.
With trembling hands, Jason reached out and broke the hull of one of the elongated fruits. Seeds immediately rolled out from the golden hull to Jason's palm. The seeds were perfectly round and white in color, it radiated warmth and was emitting a faint light. It was obvious that it was packed with the energy of heaven and earth.
Jason couldn't contain the laughter that bubbled up his throat. "Heavenly Soy!" He exclaimed happily.
Who would have thought that the heavens would provide him with such treasure just when he was feeling hopeless! Now, his problem was solved. Elmmmy did not want a regular turkey and with the 'Heavenly Soy' Jason could provide her with a rare alternative.
Jason happily gathered the golden fruits that were ready for picking and left the jade-green ones that still needed time to mature. He vowed to come back for them later.
After harvesting the 'Heavenly Soy', Jason gathered other herbs and fruits within the forbidden forest before heading back.
On Thanksgiving Day, Elmmmy sat by the table with their friends and waited for Jason to come with the 'turkey'. When Jason entered the dining hall heavenly scent instantly filled the room, whetting everyone's appetite.
The conversation stopped as Jason placed the silver platter in the middle of the table and removed the cover. Steam curled and spread out, bringing with it a warm and flavorful aroma. Jason took a carving knife and prepared to cut his glorious creation.
"Elmmmy did not want a regular 'turkey' so I decided to make something new this year." Jason grinned as he made the first cut and placed it Elmmmy's plate then he introduced the dish to his friends. "This is 'vegetarian tofu turkey'. I was lucky to find 'Heavenly Soy' which I used to make tofu, the base of the dish. The stuffing is made from other rare herbs and fruits. And as accompaniment, I brewed 'sachi' wine." He waved his hand and rounded jade bottles and cups appeared in front of each guest. "Enjoy." Jason smiled.
Elmmmy and the others didn't need more urging as they eagerly took the first bite. Curiously, although the dish was mainly vegetables and fruits, the taste was that of a real turkey. And because the dish was made from 'Heavenly Soy' and other rare ingredients, it was packed with the energy of heaven and earth. The sweetness of the 'sachi' wine complimented the dish perfectly and it didn't take long for everyone to polish their plates.
Thanksgiving has always been a special holiday. At first, Elmmmy felt she'd been unreasonable, declaring she didn't want a regular turkey this year. But Jason, being the big sweetheart that he was, said to trust him. True enough, he did not disappoint her expectations.
Elmmmy smiled as she toasted Jason. Their eternal friendship is another thing to be thankful for this year.
The end… or is it?