The Hidden Library of House Mormont

Short Story- Secret Stash Exposed!

SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS- A routine check of the family's rarely-used underground bunker has led to a surprising discovery for local mom, Sarah Stewart. Upon descending the bunker's ladder, Mrs. Stewart stumbled upon a motherlode of sweet and salty snacks, a stash diligently hidden away by her two children, 10-year-old Emily and 7-year-old Benji.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” exclaimed Mrs. Stewart. “There were bags of chips, boxes of candy, all sorts of sugary drinks... a junk food paradise!”

The Stewarts' bunker, built during a wave of Cold War paranoia, has largely gone unused for years. Emily and Benji, however, apparently saw an opportunity. “We figured, with everyone forgetting about the bunker, it would be the perfect hiding spot for our treats,” Emily revealed with a mischievous grin.

The resourceful duo had been pilfering sweets for months, sneaking away candy after Halloween, siphoning spare change from their parents' wallets for convenience store runs, and even intercepting well-meaning care packages from their grandmother. “Our plan was foolproof,” said Benji proudly, only a slight waver in his voice betraying his mild embarrassment at being caught.

Mrs. Stewart admits to a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Well, they were certainly committed and creative. It's hard to be too angry about that."

When asked how they managed to transport their hefty haul to the bunker without being noticed, the siblings’ scheme became even clearer. “We used Dad’s old camping backpack. You know, the huge green one that he never uses?” Emily explained, “And only moved stuff when Mom and Dad weren’t looking. Like when they fall asleep in front of the TV!"

While the fate of the bunker’s stockpile remains in question, one thing is for sure- the Stewart children’s foray into covert snack-hoarding will likely become a legendary tale within the family. "My Christmas newsletter will practically write itself this year," Mrs. Stewart laughed.

Newspaper Clippings Prompt 1
Word Count: 310