Frog knocked on the door to Toad’s house. It was quiet inside.
“Toad, let’s go for a walk!” Frog said. “The sun is shining.”
“The sun,” said Toad, “is a lie. We traverse a land of lies.”
“I am not lying to you, Toad,” said Frog. He knocked once more. “Can’t you see the light through your window?”
“I have seen terrible things,” Toad intoned. “Things beyond our dimension. I have understood free will and instantly regretted it. I bemoan the loss of my happier days. Life was simple before, Frog. Truly, I found meaning in the sun as you do. But you know nothing of the world beyond.”
Frog knocked again. The door remained closed. “It is almost October. Soon the cold will be too strong. We must enjoy the warmth while it lasts!”
“Have you ever looked in a mirror, Frog? Have you wrestled with your own consciousness as I have? We are nothing more than beasts. I am disgusted with myself, Frog. I wear corduroy slacks. I am shackled to the image of my creator, whom I have never seen. I cannot tell if I wish to meet them. I think my mind could not handle it. I would be erased from this paltry existence—and yet it would not matter, Frog, because in the grand scope of the cosmos there is nothing of me worth saving.”
Frog tried the door. It was locked. He looked through the window, but the curtains were drawn. “I will be sad if I go on my walk alone,” he called. “So I will sit on your porch if you don’t mind.”
Toad was quiet for some time.
Frog sat on Toad’s porch.
A squirrel passed by with an acorn. “Winter is coming,” Frog said to himself. “The squirrel prepares as usual.”
A sparrow flew on overhead. “She senses the cold,” Frog murmured. “She begins her journey.”
He thought for a minute. “The daylight wanes,” he said, “and I am with my friend. It seems the world tells different stories to all of us.”
The door opened behind Frog. Toad sat down beside him.
“Toad!” Frog cried. “You made it!”
“You were not lying,” said Toad.
They watched the sun set together.
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Canary word: Present
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125,005 Literary Works • 672,798 Reviews
Oh my goodness, I remember this series. Truly great literature for the time, so I am here for my first review since I once again got back into my account. Considering the experience I have with this story, I guess I can assist.
First things first, for such a classic, this is kind of canonical to how the writing may be now. Yes, Frog and Toad is a cozy fantastical story, but there are vital themes of appreciating nature, kindness, collaboration, and enjoying the often-simple things in life. So, an actual story about existentialism actually does make sense. I like the meta commentary of their creator being somewhat omniscient, someone that the characters do not truly know the motives of, maybe even curious to know why exactly why they write the way they do. I like this aspect of the story as a whole. And yes, especially the ending. Very canonical.
However, I do have two critiques regarding the format of this story. Considering the age of the original readers of the text, maybe future readers like me who have read the books would like a call-back to the unique stylistics of the books. In the part where Toad explores these thoughts of what life may be like, I feel like that specific section could be cut into several simple sentences as Frog maybe in surprise at this new information try to sort through what Toad is trying to say. Also, maybe perhaps you could have had Frog call back to Toad's response with his own thoughts on life beyond, even if just maybe, he doesn't quite understand it yet. You don't have to take this, of course.
Overall, I like the sustained coziness that this story has within the original material, which is rare to see in stories like these. I hope you continue to write more things, even if they're goofier than the rest. Sometimes, you just need a break from writing serious works to indulge in something truly fantastically goofy. Thank you and have a nice rest of your day/night.
Purple67
Hi...a quick review from my point of view...
The story immediately grabbed my attention with its title, reminding me of "The Frog Prince," a cherished fairy tale of mine. The dialogue between the two friends is beautifully written, capturing their planning for winter and discussing the challenges other animals face in the cold.
I initially thought the characters were inside, but upon a second reading, I realized they were speaking through a closed door. This clever detail added depth to their interaction. Toad quickly became my favorite character; his reluctance to come outside is something I relate to. It’s refreshing to see a character who embraces that hesitation.
What truly stood out was Frog’s determination to wait for Toad, showcasing the strength of their friendship. The story culminates in a sweet moment where they watch the sunset together, highlighting the beauty of companionship. Overall, it’s a touching and heartwarming tale that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Hi there eriliea! I couldn't pass by without reading the silliest thing you've ever written, so now I'm here for a review too!
Ok Toad is immediately my favourite character.
I didn't really register before this point that Toad hadn't let Frog in. I hadn't realised he was talking to him through the closed door or perhaps through a window? Then I went back and reread that it was quiet inside when he knocked on the door so now I'm a bit confused...
This is really sweet - the simple joy he feels at seeing his friend come outside.
So yes, this was a little silly, but it was also really sweet. It gives me very strong Wind in the Willows vibes and I found that to be comforting. So thanks for sharing!
Icy
thank you very much for the indulgence
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening/Night(whichever one it is in your part of the world),
Hi! I'm Kate and I'm here to leave a quick review!!
First Impression
Well this was a nice little piece to read through. Really shining through in a gentle and simple manner for the two friends there and how it is that they interact. I think that's quite nicely done.
Anyway let's get right to: Kate's Line by Line Reactions;
Well that seems like a bit of a crisis there. We'll see what that is going to end up being. It looks like questioning the sun is definitely going to take us some places. Let's see how it turns out.
Oh boy that definitely is quite the existential crisis. Looks like there's something a little bit darker out there lurking and now Toad is not going to be convinced in the slightest. Loving the developments so far.
Well looks like after that little moment they're both just sat down trying to figure out where to go next here. That's going to be quite the intriguing moment I'm sure. We'll see where they end up.
Well looks like after all of that, they were finally able to come to a happy conclusion. That's a beautiful little ending, really ties up everything neatly and ends in what appears to be a happily ever after.
Aaand that's it for this oneee!!!
Overall
Overall I think you've done a wonderful job portraying the troubles of winter to come and how this sun is speaking of many little hidden horrors to come and how the two friends see it and eventually reconcile. Its a cute little tale with a simple goal and I think you accomplish it.
As always remember to: Take what you think was helpful and forget the rest!
Kate