“
Oh, thank you!” said Clara, taking a large bite. The rich, thick patty of chocolate filled her mouth and throat.
“You don’t eat it like that!” said Alexei, horrified. “You fold it up in the petals and smell it first, then take one tiny, tiny bite—”
“Don’t you dare tell me how to eat a chocolate!” said Clara, turning on him with a newfound energy and a mouthful of chocolate. “I’ve had the longest day of my life! I’ve been attacked by rats, I’ve missed my concert, my whole body is burning, you yelled at me, and I will eat this chocolate however I want to eat it!”
Nutcracker, Zizi, and Alexei had all taken a step back.
Alexei cleared his throat...and managed to say the exact right thing:
“Allow me to get you another chocolate.
”
”