Savor the Moment [Puppy]

Through scrimping and saving, calling in favors, and a little bit of grit—Willow Ann Lexington has what might be the best of secret weapons: pie.

She sets up in the town square for the day a table scattered with various effects for the campaign. Little buttons made by herself and family that say “Vote for WA!” A scattering of printed manifestos detailing her plans for the district (...improved drinking water, patrols for those needing to get home safely, a monthly town meeting…). Then of course, thinly crusted, perfectly browned, sweet smelling pies with a secret family recipe.

It’s not so much a bribe, because Willow Ann would never do anything illegal, though she does hope it at least gets the various district folk bobbing by to stop and take her seriously. She’s not as well known as Mace and not imposing like Kennedy, and—to be frank—in a district where men are men, she’ll have to try twice as hard to get half as far. She begins to cut into a rhubarb pie, making as many little slices as possible, when she catches a shadow over her shoulder.

“Howdy! If you’d like a slice, all I ask is you consider me for Mayor!” She’s all smiles (but when isn’t she)? “Y’all have any questions for me?”