Peppermint Cocoa

The heat of the summer was relentless in Crederia that day. The sun hung high and heavy in the sky, spilling molten gold across the land, and every stone, leaf, and patch of soil radiated back its warmth. Even the cicadas seemed half-hearted in their droning, as though the air itself weighed them down. Across the town, Crederians were seeking any excuse to stop moving and any chance to escape the oppressive heat.

Some crowded around shallow creeks, laughing as they splashed water over their heads. Others lounged under broad shade trees, barely stirring except to swat away a lazy insect. But for many, including one particularly heat-weary Mantibab named Pepper, there was only one true salvation. Something cold, sweet, and dripping with the taste of decadence.

Pepper was a vision of bright, candy-coated colors even without the seasonal heat, but the sun’s glare made them practically glow. Their deep red fur shimmered like ripe berries, dotted with white and cream markings that made them look as though they’d stepped right out of a confectioner’s daydream. Striped horns jutted over their head like oversized candy straws, and their teal claws and accents popped vividly against the warm tones of their coat. If summer treats had a mascot, it might have looked a lot like Pepper. Though right now, their expression was far from cheerful.

The heat clung to them, seeping into their fur no matter how many times they tried shaking it out. Their fluffy ruff, normally a soft and pleasant comfort, felt like a thick scarf they couldn’t take off. Their tail swished slowly in irritation as they padded down the cobblestone lane, following the faint sound of chatter and the unmistakable scent of sugar and fruit.

Pepper had only one thing on their mind: a cold treat. Not just any cold treat, but the cold treat. The one they had been daydreaming about all week. The treat that, in their opinion, made summer bearable.

They rounded a corner and spotted their destination. A small stand with a striped awning, manned by a cheerful Crederian who specialized in frozen delights. The table was crowded with jars of syrups, bowls of fruit, and tall stacks of colorful paper cups. But it was the rows of frosty containers behind the counter that made Pepper’s eyes light up.

“Back again?” the vendor teased, already reaching for a cup. “Let me guess. Peppermint cocoa snow?”

Pepper nodded, a grin tugging at their muzzle. The combination might have sounded strange to some, but to Pepper, it was perfection. Crushed ice, chilled until it was nearly powder, layered with cocoa syrup and swirled through with peppermint cream, topped off with a candy straw for stirring. The first bite was always a blast of cool sweetness that sent shivers down their spine in the best way.

They accepted the treat eagerly, the frosty cup blissfully cold against their paw. Settling into the shade of a nearby bench, Pepper dipped the candy straw into the cocoa snow and took a slow sip. The chill hit instantly, cooling their mouth and sending a wave of relief through them. The peppermint danced over their tongue, followed by the deep, rich cocoa. Comforting and refreshing all at once.

Around them, the air still shimmered with heat, but it no longer felt quite so suffocating. They watched other Crederians wander past. Children clutching dripping popsicles, elders savoring iced fruit treats, friends sharing towering bowls of shaved ice and felt a sense of quiet camaraderie in the simple joy of keeping cool under the blazing heat of the sun.

For Pepper, the peppermint cocoa snow wasn’t just a way to survive summer. It was a ritual, a moment carved out of the season’s sweltering chaos just for themselves. And with each chilly bite, they could almost forget the heat entirely. Almost.

But as the ice slowly melted, blending into a sweet, frothy drink at the bottom of the cup, Pepper decided they didn’t mind so much.

After all, summer wouldn’t last forever and neither would the treat in their paws. Better to savor both while they could.