Saturday Morning Strawberries

Although logic told her it was only a few feet away, Stacia’s bedroom door may as well have been on Mars as far as she was concerned. She had been staring at it for over an hour now. She thought about getting up to shower at least twice, but the most she had managed to do was scratch the side of her neck.

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.

53 comments:

  1. I think we've all had days like that, haven't we. Good story!

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  2. I 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!❤️🍓

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    1. It's one of my favorite combinations too. I haven't had it in ages, but I think maybe I shall this week.

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  3. I 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! ;)

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  4. I 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!

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  5. Walking 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!

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    1. Yeah, doing those little things can feel more like mounting the invasion of Normandy for some.

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  6. I 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!

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  7. I 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.

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  8. My 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.

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    1. I 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!

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  9. Your flash fiction tugged at my heartstrings. A story to be told of far too many solitary elders today.

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  10. This is so filled with hope! Take the small victories because they are victories, too. Wonderful write, Rommy!

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    1. Little victories can lead to bigger ones eventually, at least that's what I'd like to think.

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  11. She got out of bed and got her strawberries, bravo to Stacie

    much love...

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  12. I 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!

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    1. I'm up insanely early too. Though I do like the quiet of being the only one up and watching the sun rise.

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  13. I empathise. Some mornings I can only manage a cup of coffee. Enjoyed the read. Thank you.

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    1. I've had days where I needed to push myself to my tea kettle too.

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  14. This is a good story. I connect with it and am happy she had that happy memory and could enjoy the strawberries. :)

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    1. Sometimes all we need is a happy memory to get the pilot light started.

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  15. This is so awesome. I can't even tell you how much I love this. It's perfect. The ending, especially, is perfect.

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  16. We 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.
    ..

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    1. 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.

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  17. What 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.

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    1. It's so important to find those bits of comfort, yes.

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  18. I call them my lethargy days. Nice one.

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    1. Everybody has those, even if it's just because of a cold

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  19. Wow, 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.

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    1. Winter mornings are rough for me too. My blankets are so warm and the air is not! :D

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  20. For 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.

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    1. Very astute observations!

      There'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. :)

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  21. Happy Sunday Rommy

    (✿◠‿◠)
    much love

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  22. Evocative--the strawberries and the cartoons...just little rewards and reminders of better days that keep the feet and hands moving.

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    1. Yes indeed. And thank heavens for the little things that keep us moving.

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  23. like walking through treacle – I can relate.

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  24. I'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.

    Your pacing and clarity of description worked so well in helping us see Stacia and feel with her.

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    1. This was a practice in pacing for me and I'm glad it turned out well.

      Mmm...that tomato sounds good. I hope you got to the kitchen to savor the hell out of it.

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  25. 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.
    Thanks, Rommy - Cheers.

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    1. Never underestimate the power of taking one step.

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  26. Like 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 ~

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    1. Oh yes, music does have a special magic to it.

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  27. ...makes me think she is battling a sickness... hopefully recovering. Sometimes it is the small things that can be such a struggle. Nice.

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