Her stomach growled. She barked out a laugh, more startled than amused. Such an ordinary noise felt so strange in
the silence.
That means I’m hungry, she said to herself. Though she
didn’t feel enthused about the idea of eating.
Eat, she told herself more forcefully this time.
It can be anything. It can be something small. Just eat.
After her stomach insisted again, Stacia got up, lumbered
towards the door and left her bedroom. The sight of her cluttered living room
almost made her turn around. But it was easier just to keep going in the same
direction.
Stacia opened the door of the fridge. The small bud of
victory she felt from making it this far was swallowed up as she took in
everything inside. It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be anything
that’s a lot of work, she reminded herself. Her eyes fell on a container of
strawberries.
She pulled the plastic container out, closed the door, and
sat of the kitchen floor. Not bothering to wash them she grabbed the nearest
strawberry and took a bite. Stacia thought back to how when she was a kid her
mom would set out a bowl of condensed milk for her to dip strawberries into on
Saturday mornings. She made herself eat the second strawberry more slowly. There
might be condensed milk in the pantry.
I can do this. Stacia got up, still holding the
berries, and grabbed a can opener along with the can of condensed milk. She went
to the couch and looked at how far she had come. The bedroom door still looked
miles away. But now she had strawberries and condensed milk, and she knew she’d
be able to find a favorite cartoon or two on a streaming service. That was
enough.
 |
| Photo by Esther Wilhelmsson on Unsplash |
Song Choice: Breathe Me by Sia
This flash fiction piece was created for Weekly Scribblings #8 on Poets and Storytellers United, Red Fruit Rendition.
I think we've all had days like that, haven't we. Good story!
ReplyDeleteI'd imagine so. Thanks!
DeleteI absolutely love, love, love this!❤️ There have been so many days when I haven't felt like getting up for a shower or going into the kitchen to prepare something to eat.. the part where she reminisces about "bowl of condensed milk for her to dip strawberries into," tugs on my heart as I still do the same thing! Some things never change 😃 Thank you so much for writing to the prompt, Rommy!❤️🍓
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorite combinations too. I haven't had it in ages, but I think maybe I shall this week.
DeleteI really wanted to know what she did with the rest of her day. Flash fiction just flashes too fast. Now I am left with questions. Guess I must put imagination to work. But I can taste the strawberries and milk! ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I could pique your curiosity.
DeleteI was so afraid she wouldn't find any condensed milk, and so glad when she did. I guess this means you got me completely caught up in your narrative and character!
ReplyDeleteWoot! Mischief managed. :)
DeleteWalking to the kitchen, in and of itself, can be a completely daunting task for those who must convince themselves just to get out of bed. Been there. Great flasher, Rommy!
ReplyDeleteYeah, doing those little things can feel more like mounting the invasion of Normandy for some.
DeleteI can remember raiding the larder to take a spoonful of condensed milk for the sheer delight of it. Now I'll have to check whether it is still available here!
ReplyDeleteLOL, same here!
DeleteI could feel how overwhelming your character's struggle was, just to find the will to get out of bed, and then to eat. The strawberries, more than just sustenance, become sustaining. And adding to their sweetness, condensed milk and a memory from childhood. A simpler time where a bowl of strawberries and cream and cartoons on the telly is enough to bring happiness.
ReplyDeleteExactly what I was going for :)
DeleteMy mouth is watering now ... but the only option for me is a bag of frozen blueberries. Wait! I have condensed milk hidden away in the back of my pantry. No need for a can opener either .. a pull off top. Heavenly ~~~ like your wonderfully composed prose.
ReplyDeleteI always have a bag of frozen blueberries. Between me and my Darling Youngest, they're in high demand. But I've never tried them with condensed milk before. Thanks for the idea!
DeleteYour flash fiction tugged at my heartstrings. A story to be told of far too many solitary elders today.
ReplyDeleteYes, all too sadly true.
DeleteThis is so filled with hope! Take the small victories because they are victories, too. Wonderful write, Rommy!
ReplyDeleteLittle victories can lead to bigger ones eventually, at least that's what I'd like to think.
DeleteShe got out of bed and got her strawberries, bravo to Stacie
ReplyDeletemuch love...
Thanks Gillena
DeleteI love how you’ve captured Saturday morning apathy in your piece, Rommy, something I haven’t experienced for some time as I have trouble staying asleep and am usually up before the sun. My husband knows it well, though! I also love how the strawberries evoke a memory and brighten up Saturday morning. The container of strawberries has made me feel hungry – time for breakfast!
ReplyDeleteI'm up insanely early too. Though I do like the quiet of being the only one up and watching the sun rise.
DeleteI empathise. Some mornings I can only manage a cup of coffee. Enjoyed the read. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI've had days where I needed to push myself to my tea kettle too.
DeleteThis is a good story. I connect with it and am happy she had that happy memory and could enjoy the strawberries. :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes all we need is a happy memory to get the pilot light started.
DeleteThis is so awesome. I can't even tell you how much I love this. It's perfect. The ending, especially, is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteWe have a rule at our house, if I'm not up by eight, bring me a cup of coffee. It comes with my half granola bat, if I want to get up then I will.
ReplyDelete..
If I'm in bed at 8, I probably have the flu. I'm the early bird in my family. Hubs is a night owl.
DeleteWhat an excellent story of effort, when effort is the last thing you want. I see Stacia coming back with that can opener and condensed milk. Find contentment where you can.
ReplyDeleteIt's so important to find those bits of comfort, yes.
DeleteI call them my lethargy days. Nice one.
ReplyDeleteEverybody has those, even if it's just because of a cold
DeleteWow, back in the days of condensed milk... :) And yes I can relate well to Stacia's sluggish morning, more especially during our long winter here. Your piece captures inertia so well.
ReplyDeleteWinter mornings are rough for me too. My blankets are so warm and the air is not! :D
DeleteFor me this tells a story of depression and eating disorder tied into one (I think they might be connected too often). I wonder if she might need help or if the condensed milk might save her.
ReplyDeleteVery astute observations!
DeleteThere's only so much you can fit in 369 words. I'm glad that I managed to drizzle a few suggestions of possibilities in the space I had. :)
Happy Sunday Rommy
ReplyDelete(✿◠‿◠)
much love
Hope your Sunday is good too
DeleteEvocative--the strawberries and the cartoons...just little rewards and reminders of better days that keep the feet and hands moving.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. And thank heavens for the little things that keep us moving.
Deletelike walking through treacle – I can relate.
ReplyDeleteLOL, yes exactly
DeleteI'm not often glad to be late to a reading, but I am glad today. I can totally understand Stacia--the last few days have been like a ravenous parasite on my energy levels--eating doesn't hold much appeal at the moment. But if I don't eat, my stomach will pay for it later. So, I will let the thought of a tomato with olive oil, vinegar and salt guide me to the kitchen. The taste and the task might bring to mind snacking with my grandmother, and that always lifts me up.
ReplyDeleteYour pacing and clarity of description worked so well in helping us see Stacia and feel with her.
This was a practice in pacing for me and I'm glad it turned out well.
DeleteMmm...that tomato sounds good. I hope you got to the kitchen to savor the hell out of it.
Many of us are in the same position, forcing ourselves to face the world, a job, a life trapped in motion and one cannot get out. Sometimes one step can get it started in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rommy - Cheers.
Never underestimate the power of taking one step.
DeleteLike Bjorn, I too, picked up elements of depression/eating disorder, though I think the piece is very relatable for everyone … as probably all of us have experienced some level of lethargy and inertia at some point in our life. Speaking personally, light classical music has always moved me, when food doesn't. It lifts the heart in a way that food cannot ~ smiles ~
ReplyDeleteOh yes, music does have a special magic to it.
Delete...makes me think she is battling a sickness... hopefully recovering. Sometimes it is the small things that can be such a struggle. Nice.
ReplyDelete