The Last Wish of a One-Star Cracker

The first tray emerged just as General Crunch's spear reached his throat. Chen Nuo didn't dodge. He bit a cracker. It was uneven, slightly burnt, not crisp enough. But as the broth lingered, he remembered the kitchen light his mother used to leave on when he came home late. Neither the light nor the cracker was perfect. Both said: You may return late, but someone hasn't gone to sleep. He offered one to the monster. “You aren't angry because people hate you,” he said softly. “You're afraid the last person who remembers your real flavor won't come home.” The general sniffed. Its armor broke away, revealing the small yellow chicken within. It snatched the cracker and sobbed like a boiling kettle. [RIDDLE-HEART SOLVED.]