Peppermint sticks rattle against each other as I pull one out of its red, crayon box sized container. The peppermint takes the shape of a thin cigar, twisted from both ends, forming swirling grooves. Its ends are cut off and smoothed out. The creamy white base is highlighted with four twisting maroon stripes. I follow the grooves with my thumb and forefinger, twisting the stick as I move my fingers up to the top of the stick. I raise it to my nose, smelling a faint and gentle mintyness. As I place the candy in my mouth, I feel the knob at its end and the grooves receding into sharper crevices. I taste the sweetness of the candy that accompanies its mintyness, refreshing like walking outside just before dawn. The top of the stick that was once white is now a slight pink.

I was six years old when I lived in my Dove Canyon home in L.A. Right after my mother tucks me into bed and leaves my room, I grab my favorite book and a bag of candy that I have gotten from a Japanese restaurant the night before and tiptoe my way to the living room downstairs. With a portable lamp, the only source of light in the room, placed next to me on a heated rug, I flip to where I have left off in Geronimo Stilton: The Secret of Cacklefur Castle. Without looking, I pick up a piece of candy from the pile on my right and tear it open. I bring it close to my face, the smell of minty green apple enveloping me. With my eyes closed, I pop it into my mouth, savoring its sweet mintiness. I breathe in through my nose and an icy wind knocks me back. It feels like icicles are starting to grow inside my mouth. I open my eyes and start devouring my pages in front of me. I am exploring the Cacklefur Castle with Geronimo Stilton, meeting Creepella von Cacklefur and fighting off flesh-eating strawberries. I am on the final few pages when suddenly the lights turn on.

These peppermint sticks took me back to when I used to sneak out after my bedtime to read more of Geronimo Stilton’s adventures. Although he is reluctant to embark on adventure at first, Geronimo always stands up for what he believes for and is willing to sacrifice his own comfort for save others, and he has inspired me to do the same. Since then, I have read the entire Geronimo Stilton series, and the idea of having a cheese themed room has always interested me.