“Fe Fi Fo Fum!” Andy smashed the Hulk’s fists on the green fuzzy carpet. He roared but with his inside voice.

“Who is it?” Emma said holding out the Nutcracker’s arm. “I command you to stop.”

“Hulk hungry. I’m invited for tea party!” Andy roared for real. Miss Frances gave him that look. Hulk covered his tiny mouth.

The Nutcracker checked her imaginary list.

Impatiently the Hulk danced on the carpet.

“Right this way Prince Hulk Hungry. The King and Queen are waiting,” Emma said marching the Nutcracker through the play castle door. Hulk bowed to Queen Barbie. Olive bowed the queen’s head. Hulk bowed to King Superman. Noah threw his superhero on Hulk’s back. Knocking over the dining room table, they tussled. The Nutcracker jumped on both of them. Shaking her head, Olive picked up the table and put the chocolate chunk cookies on the napkin. The other three stopped immediately.

King Superman opened his bento box of cucumber rolls. With a cheery roar, the Hulk waved his string cheese. The Nutcracker was retrieving her juice boxes when a shadow fell. Lily loomed.

Blonde corkscrew curls and deep dish dimples Lily bites.

“What are you doing?” Lily’s hard blue eyes made the royal tea freeze.

She grabbed at food. The Nutcracker blocked Lily’s hand. Lily pushed Emma down and grabbed Queen Barbie. Lily popped the doll in her mouth. As a team the royal party tackled the usurper to the carpet. Miss Frances dragged off Lily to the naughty corner. Smiling Lily spat the doll’s head at the playhouse.

Hot tears burned Olive’s eyes. With napkins and hand sanitizer the Hulk cleaned the doll’s head. The Nutcracker presented the finger combed head to the queen’s body. Superman reset the table. Queen Barbie snapped herself together. They toasted juice boxes and commenced the royal feast.