Feb 19 2026
Puddles the black cat arrived to Munlandia in January. Many were drawn to his mystery: his eyes, nose, and ears were shaped like an owl’s, and he didn’t seem to talk. He was later seen reading manga and talking to Columbina about moons. When it turned out Puddles made comics, Baguette’s patience with this new popular resident came to an end.
“I, B. M. Peakov, write ALL the successful books!! Only online stores and libraries have the obscure oddities that are books not written by me! Libraries have only a small shelf for them in the back, clearly labeled, for the sake of generosity and appearances, but no one goes there. Bookstores are full of mine and no one else’s because they’re running a business! Puddles is a wannabe!”
“Where can I find one of your books?” Puddles inquired.
“As I said, EVERYWHERE!! Now I have an author talk to present at for the book I published today! Everyone is crowding around the bookstore to get theirs hands on my latest book immediately because when it’s by B. M. Peakov, no one can wait a minute! Everyone buys any book with my name on it, so my mailbox is full of spam from ghostwriters!”
“So if I go to a bookstore now I’ll see the crowds?”
“Oh, don’t bother. A wannabe like you is unworthy of reading my books, and I’ll be swamped in paparazzi in need of autographs as-is!”
The next day, Baguette the prolific author changed his narrative. “Puddles! Your illustrations are due! My book is to be published today!”
Unconcerned silence from Puddles.
Baguette spoke up again.“A better illustrator just sent me a portfolio, and I’m seriously considering the offer. It’s only because of my generosity that you managed to find a job in the arts. Writing is full of B. M. Peakov and no one will read anything else, and no one would hire an amateur like you as an artist.”
Croissant lay on the couch pillow, above Puddles. “And your deadlines?” she asked.
“I have no real deadlines, since publishers all scramble to work with me on any terms as long as they get a cut of the immense profit. Clothing companies all want my name on their clothes, because then they’re an instant sell. I work on my own schedule, which, unlike yours, is productive. Croissant, think about who you associate with. What a waste of the glorious life as my sidekick you could’ve had.”
Munlandia 