OptionalFiction

“Beans!” She took a pause, reveling in the attention everyone was paying to her. “For too long have we been abused by the humans!” The crowd gave approving nods and a couple Yeah's. “No longer will we be subject to their whims! No longer will we take part in their backstabbing gossip!” The crowd was beginning to warm to the words and was responding excitedly. She continued, “We have tried to solve the issue by ourselves, but our past plans didn't bear fruit. That's why I took it upon myself to reach out for help—” A murmur went through the congregation, beans' strongest bonds are typically formed in their pods, or generally others of their kind, but asking for outside help seemed suspect. She did not let herself be deterred though, and continued on. “I know, I know. It's bold of a bean to extend an olive branch to outsiders. Our relationship with the yogurt is strained, and when the coffee beans talk to outsiders they typically need to filter themselves, and working with the cashews would be just nuts!” “Damn right!” came the response. This next bit is going to be a hard sell, she thought to herself. She continued confidently, “That's why I propose to ally ourselves with animals.” Blank, questioning stares met her as she left a small pause. They knew her well enough to be willing to hear her out on this proposal. “The elephant in the room: We obviously couldn't work with big animals. On the other hand I had something drafted with the hummingbirds, but they backed out. Instead, I've chosen an animal that's close to us in many ways” Anticipation hung in the air. “The worm.” A murmur of approval started up. “Yes, the worm. They also live close to the ground, they might be a bit longer than some of us beans, but their shape is very close.” The approval of the present beans got louder. “That's right.” She took a breath basking in the anticipation of her kind. “The next time a human goes to spill the beans they'll find themselves opening a whole can of worms!”