Heather clicked the radio buttons, desperate for a station that didn’t play classic rock. She snuck a shocked glance at Mom, behind the wheel, as MGMT’s “Little Dark Age” floated from the speakers.

Mom said nothing, minuscule smile quirking her lips. One point, Mom. 

Heather grunted. “Look, I’m going on this lame hike because you’re taking me shopping after.”

“So happy to have your company,” Mom remembered her sparring teen years.

“What’s this?” Heather opened the tin of strawberry breath mints. “Disgusting!”

Mom shrugged.

Heather tossed one in her mouth. “S’good,” she mumbled to the window.

Game, set, match!

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2019)

Carrot Ranch Prompt (05/30/2019): In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes strawberries and mint. The combination evokes color contrast, scents, and taste. Where will the combination take you? Go where the prompt leads!