This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about the insect nation. You can focus on a particular insect or all insects. Is your story one of acceptance and understanding? Scientific knowledge? Or apocalyptic horror? Get bugged and go where the prompt leads!
I’ve stayed at the family party with Josie, the aunts and the stranger from previous stories for a bit more fun. I hope you enjoy it.
Mealtime chit-chat
“What have we got?” Finally, the stranger, now identified as Paul, asked a question.
“The usual for one of these shindigs,” said Josie. “Aunt Agnes’s lasagne, Clara’s meatballs, Priscilla’s chicken fricassee and Joe’s sliced meats.”
“And for dessert, there’s Marie’s apple pie and Josh’s lumpy custard. Looks like Great-Aunt Rose has added berries to her strawberry jelly,” said Josie, taking a scoop.
“Blaaah!” Josie spat the jelly. “That’s not a berry!”
“It’s just a fly.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Flies don’t hurt. Extra protein.”
“Then you have it,” said Josie, shoving the plate into him and storming off.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
I used two real events for inspiration.
The first occurred at a family party when one of the dishes served up was a lasagne, which I’m sure would have been delicious if I could have ignored the flies (just one or two) baked into the top layer of béchamel sauce.
The second was a crunchy cappuccino I had once, that forever ended my love affair with cappuccino. When I removed the crunchy bit from my mouth to investigate what it was, I discovered it was a fly. The establishment was very good. They apologised and offered to make me another one. I’m not sure if I accepted their offer, but I’ve never ordered another cappuccino.
Flies and the Australian summer go hand in hand. I’m never keen on their company, and abhor them as a food source.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Southwest Pumpkins, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.
Norah Colvin 
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