Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #58 (14.1)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts. 

Since the picnic in the park, peace has prevailed in the household, but for how long? Chan's birthday is coming up and Evan wants to do something special. Will he be able to do that or will he make things worse? See what's going on in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #58 (14.1)

A week had passed since the picnic in the park. An uneventful week, neither bad nor good. No more outbursts or bad behavior. Homework and chores were done to satisfaction, bedtimes observed without too much whining. And yet, Evan found himself in the guest room almost every other night. If it wasn’t one thing, it was another. Mostly bad dreams. Sometimes Kamal claimed to hear someone in his room, and refused to believe there was no one there, despite Chan showing him otherwise.

Evan accepted  whatever reason was given and  he never complained. This too would pass, he was sure. Life would return to normal.

At least he hoped so.

Chan’s birthday was coming up. This would be his first birthday since they had begun to live together, and also the first since the death of his parents. Evan wanted to celebrate the occasion, but thought he should keep it low-key, under the circumstances.  He wanted to do something special for his lover, but what?

Chan was working a half day. Luckily he only had to work two Saturdays a month. Evan wasn’t scheduled until Monday. Kamal was playing at the home of a friend who lived nearby.  Madhu was keeping herself occupied with some blocks, sitting cross-legged on the living floor. Laksha was reading a book, but she kept a watchful eye on her sister.

Evan stood in the doorway between the kitchen and living room, unaware he was staring until Laksha glanced up to meet his gaze.

“Is something wrong?” she asked.

“No, no,” he assured her. “I was just thinking.” She returned to her book, apparently satisfied with his response. But he did have something on his mind. He just wasn’t sure if she would be interested in helping him.

He wouldn’t know until he tried, would he.

“Laksha,” he started again, hoping she wouldn’t be annoyed with him. The look she gave him was more curious than anything. “You know Chan’s birthday is soon…”

The young girl nodded.

“I was thinking about making him a special dinner. What would you think of that idea?”

“I think that would be good,” she agreed. “Did you have something in mind?”

“Yes, I did.” Evan drew closer as he spoke, taking a seat at the end of the couch. “I’d like to make some of the dishes your… mother used to make.” He tried not to pause too long on the word, make it sound natural and good. She didn’t seem to notice.

“The trouble is,” he continued. “I’m not the cook Chan is, not even close. And I’ve never made those dishes before. What I was wondering… Would you… I mean could you…” Why was it so hard for him to ask a simple question? Maybe because he was afraid of upsetting her? Or maybe he was even more afraid of her rejection?

Just ask the question.

“I was wondering if you’d be interested in helping make your brother’s dinner? Maybe show me how to make some of the foods you and Chan love?”  If she said no, there was always the Internet, of course. Maybe he should just have gone that route first and not said anything?

“I think that’s a great idea,” Laksha said. “Maa taught me a few dishes. I think Chan would like that.”

Evan was surprised to discover he’d been holding his breath, waiting for her response. He let it out in relieved sigh and darted a glance at Laksha. Was she really smiling at him? She was.

“You want this to be a surprise, right? Can I make the cake?”

Evan’s heart swelled at her enthusiasm. He’d assumed he would pick up something at the bakery, but if she wanted to do this for her brother, who was he to tell her no. “Absolutely,” he replied. “I think that’s a great idea.”

“Then I will start to plan the menu. Secretly,” she added with a knowing look.

“Sounds good. We can go shopping for the ingredients together, if you like?” Had he pushed his luck with that particular request?

“Okay, “ she said just as Madhu knocked down a stack of blocks. The small girl began to clap, obviously proud of her accomplishment.

“Good job,” Laksha praised her. Madhu giggled and patted the floor. Laksha closed her book and set it down before sliding onto the floor next to Madhu.

“Thank you,” Evan said, his heart appreciably lighter as he returned to the kitchen to finish the dishes.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers:

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

J Ray Lamb


 

 


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