Chocolate Solutions
flash fiction | incorrigibility
"I have never encountered a problem that chocolate couldn't help to resolve." Mildred sat down at the park table as the kids scampered in the playground with the sunshine smiling on the tall trees and green grass.
"How about my weight?" Dorothy watched the kids on the swings, jungle gym and slides.
Mildred was upbeat. "Eat more chocolate."
Dorothy smirked. "No, I'm trying to lose weight."
"How's that working out for you?"
"It's not."
"Then eat more chocolate."
Dorothy rolled her eyes. "Now you're just being silly."
"Look, if you're not gonna get skinny eating less, why not enjoy more?"
"Mildred, stop talking like that. You’ll scare the other moms off -- and attract more children than any woman should reasonably take home."
Mildred waved a dismissive hand. “Nonsense. Children need chocolate, and a good run through the sprinklers, before they grow up into work and drudgery." She took a deep breath of fresh air. "Plus, Halloween and the holidays are coming."
“You're incorrigible.”
With their laughter echoing from the swings, both their boys and three others scampered over, eyes wide, hands outstretched to Mildred. “Snack time?”
Mildred grinned, producing a paper bag like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat.
Dorothy chuckled. “See?" She added her own hand to the expectant semi-circle. "Now you’re running an underground chocolate ring.”
Mildred winked. “Better than running a salad bar.”
by George Alger
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