Short Stories
ASSIGNMENT: Pick an ordinary object. Describe the person who owns this item and why the item is their most treasured possession. As a group, create a story that combines the characters.
Holly searched the china cabinet for just the right sugar bowl for the occasion; the first Thanksgiving without Jarrod. Tears filled her eyes as she noticed the WWII planes painted on a ceramic plate. Jarrod’s childhood had been filled with tidbits of historic battles and dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. If only he had changed his mind before growing up and fulfilling that dream.
Most of his childhood artwork was in storage in the attic, but this plate stayed where it could be used. Only she hadn’t used it since the Air Force reported the accident.
Knowing she needed to pull herself together before company arrived, she tried to focus on the task at hand. What was she looking for again? Oh yeah, a sugar bowl. She had her grandmother’s passion for collecting sugar bowls and had a sizable collection before she had inherited her grandmother’s. Choosing the right one was always an enjoyable task, but today her mood was solemn.
Her eyes stopped on a small blue crock with a grey lid. Gently lifting it, her tears returned as she turned it over to see “Jarrod 502” etched into the bottom. Fifth grade seemed so long ago, yet it seemed like yesterday that he so proudly stated that she must use that sugar bowl for Christmas dinner. He had insisted she open the present early so she could use it that day. His teacher had included a note saying that the children had chosen and painted their food and dishwasher safe items themselves. Jarrod had chosen a sugar bowl to add to her collection.
Her thumb ran down the crack on the side. A fresh tear ran down her check as she remembered apologizing profusely to her son for dropping his gift only a year later. “That’s okay, Mom. As long as it still holds sugar, it gives it character.”
Character. That word described Jarrod more than another other she knew. She never ceased to chuckle at his antics. Whether storing poker chips in a sock or the play on words at family dinner, life was never boring with Jarrod around. If only she had listened more closely as he excitedly discussed the latest WWII trivia he had learned. She tried convincing him to become a history teacher but he decided on the military instead.
Deciding that one bowl would be enough sugar for their small gathering, Holly shut out thoughts of military and history as she shut the door to the china cabinet. As she filled the small blue bowl and covered it with the gray lid, she heard footsteps and voices outside. Mariah and her family had arrived. Nancy’s clan wouldn’t be far behind.
“Grandma, look what I got! It’s an airplane just like Uncle Jarrod flew. When I get big, I’m going to fly one. I’m going to be just like Uncle Jarrod.” Little Nick almost tripped Holly in his excitement.
Holly studied her grandson as he explained every part of his toy airplane. Her mind heard Jarrod’s explanations of a similar toy many years before. She had a lot to be thankful for this November holiday. Jarrod was not her only child and he had been a wonderful uncle to his sisters’ kids.
“Can I pick the sugar bowl, Grandma?” His explanation of the plane complete, Nick’s attention turned to something else.
“I just filled it sweetheart. Sorry.”
“What one did you choose? I want to use the one Jarrod made. It’s my favorite because it’s special, just like Jarrod.”
“It’s my favorite too, Nick. Mine too.”
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You already know that I love your story, Joanney. To produce such a masterpiece at a moment's notice shows you have a heart full of treasures just waiting to get out and into a book.
Oh, Joanney, what a wonderful and heart wrenching story! You presented the topic beautifully and naturally. I was hanging on every word! Such skillful writing!
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