Dinner Tonight, by Alyce Clark

28/1/2022

She ignores the judgmental looks she incurs, her cart overflowing. The first bottle return machine is broken. “Oh, no!” she despairs, moving towards the next one- hopeful.

Slowly putting cans in, 10 cents, 20 cents- the machine keeping tab for her. “Please let there be enough,” she whispers. “Can’t read, bar code” the screen flashes at her- spitting the can out. Needing every dime, she smooths out the dents, tries again.

Finally, garbage bag empty, she presses the green button for her receipt. Smiling, she hurries down the aisle, selecting her items.

It was enough. Her children would eat tonight.

Jennifer Duncan

29/1/2022 12:15:50 am

Sad comment on our societies that food insecurity is so prevalent. She is an industrious mother doing what she can.

Sue Clayton

29/1/2022 12:32:41 am

This wrenches at the heart. The anguish of this mother comes through loud and clear.

Lynn Messing

29/1/2022 12:44:47 am

What a sad but powerful story.

Sandra James

29/1/2022 05:00:10 am

Very well written, Alyce. Her anguish, and hope, really come through. Many years ago while bringing up 4 children on my own I used to collect cans dropped on the side of our busy road and take them to the collection depot. Small change to some but sometimes it makes a huge difference. 💛

Alyce Clark

3/2/2022 01:27:41 am

I couldn’t agree more- sometimes that small change makes a huge difference! Thank you for sharing, Sandra.

Candace Arthuria Williams

29/1/2022 02:56:32 pm

You inspire me, Alyce. How about if all of us who can, take out our cards and pay for someone else's groceries?

Alyce Clark

3/2/2022 01:32:13 am

What a lovely idea! Thank you, Candace.

Jim Bartlett link

29/1/2022 03:57:45 pm

Such a tale of anguish and desperation, Alyce. But there is much unsaid here about why we silly humans allow this to happen.
And the untold story about how she got to where she is.
Nicely done
Jim

Dee Lorraine

29/1/2022 10:26:04 pm

Alyce, thank you. Once again you have accurately and compassionately told a story of everyday life for a growing segment of America's population.

Meredith Asuru

30/1/2022 11:20:40 am

Very touching piece. I had to stifle tears. I pray her means improves.

Fliss Zakaszewska

30/1/2022 03:37:45 pm

Such a sad comment of the times. On both sides of the Atlantic.

Martha J

30/1/2022 10:21:36 pm

Alyce gives a very good illustration of one of the many challenges we face in society today, a challenge that many criticize or ignore. Maybe if we take a good look at ourselves, maybe we can look at others differently. Thank you, Alyce!

Cassie Davis

31/1/2022 07:06:41 pm

You did it again.Went deep into soul and touch our heartstrings.We need to remember to put loving our neighbors into action.Remember,no man/ woman; boy or girl is and island.

Jaden Christopher

1/2/2022 03:25:11 am

So much depth in 100 words. Im jealous for sure.

Rathin Bhattacharjee

2/2/2022 07:00:20 am

A deeply poignant and meaningful story. It is disheartening to know that even in a very economically advanced country like the USA, there are people living below the poverty line.
The last line of the story is as well-written as the rest of the story and sums up the theme magnificently. Kudos to the writer.

Michele

2/2/2022 12:47:09 pm

Very moving commentary

Alyce Clark

3/2/2022 01:21:19 am

I was blown away by your thoughtful, generous comments. Learning that you were touched by my words (as I am each week by yours), is the best of compliments. Thank you.

Aunt Shirley

5/2/2022 02:54:56 am

I could feel the mother’s anxiety as she put those cans through, needing every dime to feed her children. I could also feel her relief as she got the receipt and was able to provide another meal for her children.
Thank you For another wonderfully written story.

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Dinner Tonight, by Alyce Clark

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Dinner Tonight, by Alyce Clark

"Classic"100-WordStories﻿

Archives

"Classic"
100-Word
Stories