Lunch Time with Fig and Anya
page 19 of The Fig Tree Series
Back inside my tiny apartment, I went to the refrigerator to see what we could eat thinking about Mario's previous comment.
"Do you two want some hot dogs and macaroni?" I asked.
"That's fine," Fig said as she was intensely reading something on her cellphone.
"Why didn't Mario eat with us?" Anya inquired.
"Because he's going to go eat with Helen," Fig said in a monotone still focused on her cellphone.
I began preparing lunch, hot dogs and macaroni and cheese.
"Is Helen going to get him a cheeseburger?" Anya asked.
"How should I know what they're going to eat?" Fig replied getting irritated at Anya's random questions.
"I want a cheeseburger," Anya said.
"I don't have burgers right now," I told her and watched her frown and pout.
"You love mac and cheese," Fig said looking up from her cellphone and getting that snap in her voice.
"Mario is probably going to have a cheeseburger," Anya said.
"So what?" Fig replied staring at her daughter wondering what this was about.
"So that's not fair," Anya said, "I should have a cheeseburger too."
"No, it's the other way around," Fig corrected her daughter, "It's not fair to Mario because he's not getting Dani's delicious mac and cheese."
Anya thought about it for a moment, and though temporarily satisfied, she still didn't agree completely.
"I still don't think it's fair," Anya grumbled and plopped down on my couch.
"You're right," Fig said losing her temper, "I'm glad you know that."
"You're being mean, Mom!" Anya growled.
"And you're being a silly brat," Fig told her.
Anya crossed her arms and stuck her tongue out at her mother who didn't see it.
When lunch was ready, I made a plate for Anya and she was too hungry to say no. She ate it and seemed to enjoy it enough. Fig ate a hot dog and went back to reading messages on her cellphone. I ate from my plate thinking about their conversation and how tough mother/daughter relationships could be. I was just hoping that I didn't have to babysit too long as I didn't want to become impatient and snappy and I didn't have much experience dealing with girls.
About the Creator
Shanon Angermeyer Norman
Gold, Published Poet at allpoetry.com since 2010. USF Grad, Class 2001.
Currently focusing here in VIVA and Challenges having been ECLECTIC in various communities. Upcoming explorations: ART, BOOK CLUB, FILTHY, PHOTOGRAPHY, and HORROR.
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More stories from Shanon Angermeyer Norman and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Through the Water to the Lights
Fig looked at the clock on the wall in the hallway which read 3:30 p.m. The power was still off, the water outside still not gone, and Uncle Georgio still had not made a sound or come out of his room. Fig knew she had to do something at this point. She went to her closet and got her bathing suit and water shoes to wear so that she could attempt to go through the flood water. After she changed into her swim gear, she went to talk to her children.
By Shanon Angermeyer NormanExclusive • about a year ago
Comments (2)
This is a beautifully written and relatable scene. The tension between Fig and Anya is palpable, and the underlying complexities of their relationship are skillfully portrayed. The author's ability to capture the nuances of family dynamics and the challenges of parenting is impressive. Overall, this is a well-crafted scene that resonates with readers and offers a glimpse into the complexities of family life.
This is a little piece with a change of tone!