Annie had never been in a Chinese grocery store. She clung to Mommy’s hand in the crowded aisles.
“So many kinds of rice!” said Mommy. “I don’t know. . . “
The short Chinese man beamed up at Mommy and offered his help.
“My husband is Chinese. His parents are coming to visit and I don’t know what to give them for supper!”
“Ah, Missus, come!” He led her to the exit, pointing to the American grocery store. “You make the nice pot roast, mash potato, gravy. Apple pie, ice cream. Tomorrow, ask his mother to help make husband’s favorites!”
_____________________
I don’t usually struggle to stay within 100 words, but my first draft of this story was 153 words, and NONE of them could be cut! Well, yes they could! Fifty-three words gone, and the story is still there 🙂
Just Writing! 
Leave a story in the sun for long enough and the unnecessary words melt away
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🙂
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A wise man! 🙂
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Yes. I hope she takes his advice 🙂
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This is wonderful. I rarely see 100 word pieces so well rounded off. Perfect.
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Thank you! It took four times through to eliminate all the fat 🙂
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Beautifully written. And a lovely message!
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Well done.
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Thank you.
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A wonderful story, and congrats on the editing. I feel your pain. But it still works beautifully.
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Thanks :). It’s actually good discipline–going through and cutting the fat without losing the story.
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Great story, great advice! Stick to what you know best until you can learn from the best (his mother!)
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Thanks. Dora.
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At least she was trying. Who knows maybe she’ll bond with the MIL over cooking.
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Wouldn’t that be loverly 🙂
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A very good piece of tactical advice. Nicely done, Linda.
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Thanks, Sandra.
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Thanks, Michael. As I told someone else, it’s actually good discipline to cut the fat without hurting the story!
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Haha! That’s a very clever man. Great story, well done!
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Thank you!
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Yep, great advice. And she’ll learn much more about the food when MIL is instructing than trying to do it alone…
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Exactly. No one better than Mom to know what her son likes to eat 🙂
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If it’s any comfort, I struggled to keep it down to 100 this week, and failed. Close enough to pass, but … well. I enjoyed your story. Sounds like a wise Papasan to send Missus to make an american meal.
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Thanks, Bear. Haven’t read yours yet, but I will 🙂
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wise advice. that’s how to do it. 🙂
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Wise shopkeeper.
Love that you were able to pare 53 words. These flash fiction pieces do help train us to cut to the essentials and keep the story moving at an entertaining pace. Well done.
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Thanks, Russell. It was hard, because I really liked the first edition, but I don’t think I lost the story. That’s what counts.
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Probably for the best. Then learn from the master 🙂
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What a charming story! Love it!
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Dear Linda,
It reminds me of an episode of Bewitched when Samantha asked what Darrin’s Chinese clients wanted when they came to dinner. The way it came out was “Hung-ai Ran Goo Rash.” She went nuts trying to find the recipe. Turns out they wanted Hungarian Goulash. (Funny what memories stick with us, no?)
Glad you figured out you didn’t need the other 53 words. That’s the way it usually goes. 😉 Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember that episode 🙂
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Very good advice!!
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Excellent story and excellent idea!
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Thanks so much 🙂
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You’re very welcome, Linda.
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Lovely story and a wise storekeeper who dispenses advice is such a nice touch.
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Thanks. I’m guessing his store does a very good business 🙂
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Or her husband could get off his booty and go shopping. Food of any kind is going to be a winner if it’s prepared right. I’m thankful to all ethnicities and cultures for sharing their culinary wisdom. How boring would it be if we only ate one type of food?
Cutting words is usually the hardest part for me, too. It seems impossible at first.
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I’ve developed a real interest in international cuisine. Sadly, my husband is still a meat and potato kind of guy, nothing spicy. Sigh.
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Maybe his family can teach her their recipes
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That’s the hope 🙂
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