By Day 9, Snackland was unraveling.

Not loudly.

Not dramatically.

Quietly.

Like a schedule losing its grip.

Professor Math’s chalk squeaked more than usual.

Josh JollyRancher checked his clipboard twice as often.

Obesseus stared at the clocks like they might bite him.

“CHRISTMAS TIRED,” Obesseus said.

Josh frowned. “We’re almost through the plan.”

That’s when the quizzes fell.

Day 9

Nine pop quizzes popping

They dropped from the ceiling like festive snow.

Thump.

Thud.

Pap.

Worksheets everywhere.

Professor Math clapped once. “Surprise assessments.”

Obesseus picked one up, read half a question, and used it to wipe gravy off his hands.

“OBESEUS FAIL POP.”

Josh scribbled something on his clipboard. “That’s a zero.”

Obesseus shrugged. “ZERO STILL NUMBER.”

The quizzes kept coming.

Nine in total.

Snackland groaned.

Josh smiled nervously. “Knowledge is the gift.”

No one laughed.

Day 10

Ten minutes late… and ten cups of gravy

The doors burst open.

“SORRY,” Grant the Grapefruit announced cheerfully, rolling in sideways.

“I’m ten minutes late.”

Josh gasped. “TEN?”

Professor Math froze. “That disrupts the schedule.”

Grant skidded to a stop.

“Yeah, about that.”

Behind him floated ten steaming cups of gravy, wobbling dangerously.

Obesseus’ eyes widened.

“GRAVY.”

Grant nodded. “Brought snacks.”

Josh pointed at the clipboard. “You’re late.”

Grant shrugged. “Time is relative.”

One cup tipped.

Gravy spilled.

Then another.

Soon the floor was slick.

Josh slipped.

Professor Math grabbed the chalkboard.

The clocks spun wildly.

Obesseus cheered.

“GRAVY FREEDOM.”

Grant held up a cup proudly. “Ten minutes late. Ten cups. Felt right.”

Josh shouted, “THIS IS NOT IN THE PLAN.”

Grant grinned. “That’s the best part.”

Professor Math sighed deeply.

The quizzes dissolved into pulp.

The clocks slowed again.

Grant rolled toward Obesseus.

“You good?”

Obesseus nodded, already drinking gravy.

“OBESEUS VERY GOOD.”

Josh stared at the mess.

“…We’re losing control.”

Professor Math didn’t answer.

He was watching the clocks.

They were no longer synced.

Obesseus’s Holiday Note

“POP QUIZ BAD.

GRAVY GOOD.

GRANT ALWAYS LATE BUT CORRECT.”