Sweet Cherries #WordStories

28 Replies

This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story sweet as cherries. It can be about the fruit or something cherries represent. Why is it sweet? Can you use contrast to draw out the beauty? Go where the prompt leads!

This is where I went — down in aisle 1. I hope you enjoy in.

Sweet Cherries

Mum loves cherries, but are they sweet? She taste-tested. Yes! She tore off a bag and stuffed it with cherries. Further on, she spotted punnets. That would impress Mum more. She grabbed one and ditched the loose cherries.

*Code blue. Code blue. Customer down in fresh produce!*

“You alright, ma’am? Need a hand?”

“I’m alright — this time!” She was as red-faced as the cherries. “But you should keep these floors clean.”

Later, dignity reinstalled, exaggerating injuries, she demanded compensation.

The video told the story — a cherry, yes — a rogue cherry; escaped her unceremonious dumping; only to be splattered underfoot.

Thank you blog post

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

28 thoughts on “Sweet Cherries #WordStories”

  2. pedometergeek

    Cute story, Norah, and I loved the line about “dignity”. I remember tripping (and falling) on the sidewalk several years ago. Of course, it was during the time we were having new siding and windows installed. The work crew rushed to make sure I wasn’t hurt. My response: “Only my dignity.” Every time I walk on that sidewalk now, I am extra careful to avoid that raised crack.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Norah Post author

      I hope you re-established your dignity quickly, Nan. It can be a bit embarrassing. I’m pleased you weren’t hurt.
      Sounds like that sidewalk could do with some repairs. Is there a process in place for that?

      Like

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  3. Prior...

    I like the social and modern vibe with the video showing what happened (no compensation but maybe she will be charged for th cheery she sampled or lost?)
    And then “this Time”? Has she had many falls
    –
    By fav line was
    “Dignity reinstalled”
    Tasty good and Has a rich sweetness that goes beyond or story and allows each reader the chance to maybe remember the very “sweet as cherries” feeling we get when dignity is reinstalled!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Norah Post author

      Thank you so much for your sweeter than cherries comment, Yvette. I appreciate your interpretation. I’m pleased you liked ‘dignity reinstalled’. I had to delete a few options before I got to that one. Sometimes it’s difficult to get the ‘just right’ word.

      Liked by 1 person

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        1. Norah Post author

          I’d like to get those ‘right’ words more often than I do. I do manage it more often in writing than in speech, though. I can never think of the right word when I’m talking. It’s downright embarrassing.

          Liked by 1 person

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          1. Prior...

            Well I think sometime when it seems like folks have the right word when we speaking – we are seeing years and years of practice and repetitive behavior – ya know? And all that practice opens up word flow – and maybe some just have more talent – but your comment reminded me of my recent exploring of Winston Churchill’s talents – he was a gifted orator and it seems like he had words just come to him
            But behind the seasons we was practicing and churning words all the time – at one point he ran after his Cicero book for an idea for a phrase – a lot of churning (and he dictated from the tub too)
            So all that to say don’t be too embarrassed if the right word doesn’t always come while speaking – I think jt is a human thing because our brain is in a certain mode and unless we practiced and prepped for a topic – even maybe recited a bit – well then even the most astute and seasoned one might not have the words come easy
            (Did that make sense- hahaha – hope so)

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            1. Norah Post author

              It did make sense. Thank you for your encouragment. There are some things I find easy to talk about and can think of the right words for – like child development and education (in my field), but if it’s not an area of expertise, I stumble. (And I’m totally hopeless at small talk.) I think what’s what you’re saying, so I won’t worry too much. Thank you.

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  4. Pingback: Sweet as Cherries Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

  8. Jules

    Working in retail for many years …it is amazing that folks don’t realize that cameras are everywhere. In one store I worked at an overnight cleaning crew was caught stuffing some trash bags with goods. The Security guy spent the night hidden in a secure office and then when it was time to leave in the morning… called the police!!

    Your story mimics a true story of a man and woman arguing in a fast food place. They tossed their drinks at each other and then slipped and tried to get compinsated for ‘damages’ that they had caused!!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Norah Post author

      I think we’re constantly watched, Jules. Some people must have boring lives, watching people do boring things.
      I wonder why the security guard hid.
      I thought my story might ring true for someone. Some people are quite brazen in what they try get from others. It costs us all in the long run.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Jules

        The security guard suspected theft from another time they were there…so he stayed in his ‘office’ to catch them by watching the live feed.

        Not only are cameras everywhere but cell phones and some social media… well that’s everywhere too. All the ‘Ring’ type home doorbell cameras, Dash cams, body cams… who is protecting whom?

        We are tracked in so many ways – I’ve just stopped worrying… If you don’t have much of worth and you are good – maybe you are safe.

        Liked by 1 person

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        1. Norah Post author

          There’s certainly not much privacy any more. I’m pleased the security guard nabbed the thieves.
          I hope your final statement is correct. Stay safe!

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