GIANT EASTER RABBIT SCARES TODDLERS

GIANT EASTER RABBIT SCARES TODDLERS, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

MONSTER EASTER BUNNY

Imagine you are about four-years old, walking with your mom and a younger sister, or walking with your dad and a younger brother--or walking with both your mom and dad and several siblings. There you are, walking along on Kansas City's Plaza, the place to be on Easter, the place where the annual Easter Parade has been taking place for decades.

You are having a wonderful time, a super good time. You are sporting some new clothing that still has that "new" scent, your new shoes are kind of stiff, not at all as comfy as your play shoes, but you like the shine on your shoes. You wish you had been able to get some shoes with flashing lights, but dad said no.

"Oh, look, my goodness," your mom's voice is suddenly full of surprise and louder than usual. You can tell there's something good about to happen, you can tell, you have learned to discern such things in voices.

"Well, my goodness, oh, yes," your dad chimes in without near as much emotion, but you know he's in the game for whatever it is worth.

What the heck? You are wondering what's happening. Suddenly, little Lorna, your little sister screams and begins crying. She turns and hugs mommy's leg. "Waa Waa," she goes on and on. You are really up-tight. What the?

When you see it, you just about burst into tears. It's that look in the rabbit's eye that is getting to you, but not you only, your sister and lots of other children.

From out of nowhere, suddenly this larger than life rabbit appears and begins walking toward you. As you mother comforts Lorna, your dad turns you toward a window display, but there he is again--the giant rabbit looks even spookier in the reflections that are distorted. Oh, what a weird eye that bunny has, looking at you like you will be his next meal. And the giant basket. Why is it empty?
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Photo and story by R.L.Huffstutter, photo taken in 1980, Plaza Shopping Area, Kansas City, Missouri