That's a lot of responsibility to put on such young children. So much can go wrong. Scary choking scene. I wasn't sure how it would end. Your writing exposes the love in this family.
Oh without a doubt. I really appreciate you reading, K.C. I was hoping the love would shine through despite these challenging circumstances, and I’m happy to hear you thought it worked!
Wow!!! I literally held my breath until that candy was dislodged!!! What a wonderful little story about brothers and the responsibility for each other that some are given too early.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Andrea! I always enjoy seeing your name pop up. We’ve had our fair share of students over the years who probably lived this—or at least had similar circumstances—at one point or another.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, too, Justin. Yes, I remember that the little Thanksgiving luncheon we would put on for our students was the high point of their holiday. I owe you an email and will write soon! I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you, Amie! I wondered if anyone would question the job and if there were darker (or different) implications. It’s up for debate and ultimately for the reader to decide!
GREAT story, Justin! I wa right there, with those boys! I had working parents, and later, when we were young teens, we were on our own. I am amazed we survived. The things kids do! I love the happy ending. Kids are resilient little beings. Happy Thanksgiving, Justin!
Thank you so much, Sharon. I often think it’s a wonder so many of us did survive…plenty of poor decisions made all around! One of my favorite quotes of all time is from Flannery O’Connor: “Anybody who has survived his childhood has enough information about life to last him the rest of his days.”
Alone. Terrifying choking on a candy or choking on grizzle. Panic strikes. The heart stops. Can’t call for help. The story ends well, although a body could have been found later. Everything is fine. I enjoy happy endings. A tale well wagged.
I thought about taking this in a very dark direction but ultimately decided against it. Just a drop of realistic fiction in the bucket! (Though, I suppose the alternative would have been just as realistic!)
Thanks so much for reading, Richard. It’s very much appreciated.
I agree, and I have experienced feelings like that myself even though our mom was always there, always with us. I used to sneak to the kitchen in the dark of night sometimes to pilfer a malt ball, or a teaspoon of sugar. I'm sure she knew, just like I knew when my own son started hiding cans of frosting under his bed.
Those motherly instincts are almost always set to on, aren’t they? Haha, cans of frosting is next level! I give him credit for trying. 😄 Thanks so much for reading, Kim!
"We just wanted to tell you we love you." Oh, wow. That sweet little boy is becoming a man very early in his life.
And we just want to tell you, Justin, that we love YOU.
I’ve seen so many kids grow up far too early in life. And aww, right back at ya, Sharron! Thanks as always for reading.
That paragraph … “everything’s fine” - outstanding writing, Justin.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Barrie. I appreciate you reading my story!
💛✍️💛
That's a lot of responsibility to put on such young children. So much can go wrong. Scary choking scene. I wasn't sure how it would end. Your writing exposes the love in this family.
Oh without a doubt. I really appreciate you reading, K.C. I was hoping the love would shine through despite these challenging circumstances, and I’m happy to hear you thought it worked!
Wow!!! I literally held my breath until that candy was dislodged!!! What a wonderful little story about brothers and the responsibility for each other that some are given too early.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Andrea! I always enjoy seeing your name pop up. We’ve had our fair share of students over the years who probably lived this—or at least had similar circumstances—at one point or another.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, too, Justin. Yes, I remember that the little Thanksgiving luncheon we would put on for our students was the high point of their holiday. I owe you an email and will write soon! I really enjoyed this story.
Nicely done, Justin. I keep wondering about the “gas station” job.
Thank you, Amie! I wondered if anyone would question the job and if there were darker (or different) implications. It’s up for debate and ultimately for the reader to decide!
I have some ideas…
Two good boys bending some rules. A big lesson learned by all involved. Great writing, Justin.
Thank you, Jim. We’ve all been their shoes in some fashion, haven’t we? I really appreciate you reading and commenting!
Oh the things we don't want to bother our parents about when we know they're busy. Good story, Justin.
Thanks so much for reading, Sue!
GREAT story, Justin! I wa right there, with those boys! I had working parents, and later, when we were young teens, we were on our own. I am amazed we survived. The things kids do! I love the happy ending. Kids are resilient little beings. Happy Thanksgiving, Justin!
Thank you so much, Sharon. I often think it’s a wonder so many of us did survive…plenty of poor decisions made all around! One of my favorite quotes of all time is from Flannery O’Connor: “Anybody who has survived his childhood has enough information about life to last him the rest of his days.”
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! 😀
Alone. Terrifying choking on a candy or choking on grizzle. Panic strikes. The heart stops. Can’t call for help. The story ends well, although a body could have been found later. Everything is fine. I enjoy happy endings. A tale well wagged.
I thought about taking this in a very dark direction but ultimately decided against it. Just a drop of realistic fiction in the bucket! (Though, I suppose the alternative would have been just as realistic!)
Thanks so much for reading, Richard. It’s very much appreciated.
Great story !! How sad for children that don't have a parent present for them !!Amazing job son !! Love ya 😘
Some people do what they have to do to get by. Thanks Mom, love you too! 💜
This is incredibly touching. You took me there.
Thank you very much for the kind words! 🙏
I agree, and I have experienced feelings like that myself even though our mom was always there, always with us. I used to sneak to the kitchen in the dark of night sometimes to pilfer a malt ball, or a teaspoon of sugar. I'm sure she knew, just like I knew when my own son started hiding cans of frosting under his bed.
Those motherly instincts are almost always set to on, aren’t they? Haha, cans of frosting is next level! I give him credit for trying. 😄 Thanks so much for reading, Kim!