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He was typing rapidly while he chatted. He was panicking. “Martha over there! Hey Martha! Have you seen my Batcorn!?”

“Your *what*?”

“Batcorn! The Musicians! 4 of ’em!” He was out of breath, running around the village trying to track down members of the band. He was the musical director of the festivities to come. Just two days away now. Those kids must be prepared!

“Batcorn, hmm,” mulled Martha from the porch of her house. The freshly picked flowers were from an admirer named Claude who lived in Braggtown. Just over the hills. He was a big wig in his place and liked people to know about it. Said it came with the town. Big bouquet for a big admirer. “You mean the *twins*?”

“Well, that’s *2* of ’em,” spoke Sitton back, trying to simmer down. He approached her so he wouldn’t have to talk so loud. “The other 2 are the girls, Jane and Rachel. The one who plays keyboards and the one who plays the accordion.” He was right beneath the porch. He could smell the flowers now. He would ask about them but he didn’t have time. Must – find — Batcorn.

“I think I saw both girls around here earlier,” she said. “One went, let’s see, north and the other west, toward the beach.”

“Okay, that helps that helps.” He took a deep breath before proceeding further. “Thanks Martha!” And it was on to the, let’s see, beach.

As soon as he left the scene the flowers began to dematerialize, the flesh turn cold and blue. Dark matter.