“I think I have mononucleosis. You know, the kissing disease.” It said, with no preambles, as the Veterinarian walked into the examination room.

I’m not even a frog,” it complained, between croaks, his way of providing an explanation for why he was at the doctor’s that day.

“I wish people would learn the difference,” it continued without waiting for a response. “It’s all day, every day. Girls, women, boys or men, it doesn’t matter, everyone wants a prince.” It said in total exasperation, pausing for several croaks, spitting out phlegm into a handkerchief almost as big as it was.

“The spell works only on frogs. You know, the ones that jealous lovers or witches cast on princes?” It explained as the Vet walked into the room and took a seat opposite the toad.

It had been placed on the exam table by an intake staff.

The Vet was quite fascinated, if he was candid with himself. He had never met a talking toad before, especially one that was so striking. It had an air about it that made him seem…..well, REGAL.

It had the characteristic dry and warty skin, with lumps all over it. In all manner of speaking, it should be considered ugly, repulsive even, with its huge vocal sac hanging down all the way to its feet.

Except it wasn’t. It had eyes that changed color as it spoke, with pupils that went from just a slit to round orbs with rings around them. It had a luminescence about it. When the sun from the only window in the examination room hit its skin, it reflected the most breathtaking array of colors on the light gray wall.

The toad was a walking and talking kaleidoscope.

The Vet silently said within himself, what a stunning creature! He felt some empathy but he also understood why people mistook the toad for a prince.

“I’ve been kissed against my will so many times,” he continued, “and who knows where those lips have been.”

The Vet knew. There was currently an outbreak of the kissing disease, a town over, where his wife’s lover resided. He too was dealing with the dreaded disease but somehow felt sorry for this toad who had contracted it due to no fault of its own.

“We have to do some blood tests,” said The Vet as he coughed and spat out phlegm into his own handkerchief.