She leaned over the big black cauldron, face partially occluded in the shifting steam. Chopping and shredding, she added a pinch of this, a breath of that.
Winter winds buffeted her door, seeking shelter. She cackled, stirring with a long wooden spoon.
Bringing the spoon’s edge to her lips, she took a tiny sip. “Something’s missing…”
Grabbing the glass jar from the furthest reaches of the shelf, she passed her hand over the pot, once…twice. She stirred and sniffed the rising bouquet, and smiled.
She switched the burner to simmer, and took up her Jane Austen.
She loved chili.
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2018)
Carrot Ranch Prompt (06/14/18): In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a bouquet. You can explore the meaning of the word or gather a bunch of flowers. Go where the prompt leads
Valley of the Trolls 
Got me! and I totally have to use the word, “occluded” someday when I’m a big boy.
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Wonderful, Liz. I enjoyed the surprise ending!
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Thanks, Norah!
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Fabulous! I was expecting “eye of newt” and more trouble brewing than chili. But ah, it sounds good — to read with chili simmering in the pot.
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One of many gifts during the colder months!
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Don’t worry — winter’s coming, hey!
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Good food and food for the brain in a good book!
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Nourishing all, body, brain, and soul.
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…her chili sounds a bit like my stir-fry…
😀
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Lovely take!
Jane Austen my fav author too!
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Thank you! (Hands over a mug of chili and a spoon)
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Well, of course!
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😀 😉
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