Well, at least he’s happy.
I wasn’t expecting a visit from my teenaged, road-working son, but here he is, leaning into a half-eaten, torn-into loaf of walnut-wheat bread, butter disappearing quickly. His bent arms are long enough to eclipse the entire side of my kitchen table, effectively blocking me out. Yes, of course I fed my kid. You always feed your kid. They never completely grow up, not in your eyes.
But I wish I’d made a second loaf, because there’s nothing left for me. Instead, I bring him a tall glass of milk.
It’s all worth the visit.
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2022)
Carrot Ranch Prompt (01/24/2022): In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about “the wish I made.” Whose wish is it and how does it fit into the story? What kind of wish? Go where the prompt leads!
Valley of the Trolls 
We never stop loving, or caring for, our kids. You tell it well.
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Thanks, Norah!
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A parent’s sacrifice. Love the imagery.
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Thanks, Leanne!
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A heartfelt moment captured expertly! I’ve done the same thing with my own son. I can so relate to this! ❤
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Kind of the ❤ of motherhood, IMHO.
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Yes! That is so perfect. ❤
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If you knew he was coming you’d have baked a cake as the song goes. you would have made two loaves if you had been prepared but regardless you got to see and feed him and that felt good.
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Yes. I think it’s one of the most basic functions between mother & child. We NEVER get over that. Lol!
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Or doing their washing 🤣
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🙈😂😂😂
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Pingback: The Wish I Made Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
Aw. I’m thinking you’re both happy. What a cool take on the prompt.
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Yeah, that’s how it works (‘Cept fiction, remember?)
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Sounds like both characters are happy, despite one whining about devoured bread. Good fiction!
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Oh, yeah….I can’t tell you how many times the leftovers I’d been saving for myself were consumed by my son when he’d come visit. But like you, I was okay with that. His visit was worth it!
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It’s so worth giving up a loaf of walnut wheat bread to share a moment live with a teen-aged son. There’s longing beneath the mother’s casual tone.
Thank you for your submission to the Collection at Carrot Ranch. It will publish Wednesday, February 2.
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Thanks, Charli. Fingers crossed! 😉
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Great story, Liz. I love your details.
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Thanks, Chel!
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