Cabbage Patch

Farmer Draughtsman reached down to twist and pull the next head of cabbage when the leaves rustled. He pulled his hand away instinctively, though he wore heavy work gloves. The leaves parted and revealed a red-skinned, squalling baby, damp and sticky, eyes shut tight. A little boy. He opened his toothless mouth and howled the wailing cry of a cold and hungry child.

More rustles from the rows ahead. More leaves parted, and a chorus of infant screams rose to the heavens.

Draughtsman stumbled backward. He looked back to his cart, and the two dozen cabbages already inside it. Silent.