Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Write about a time you or a character said no


The mittens are the perfect size. They fit around my hands like warm bundles. Not only would they keep out the cold and wind, they would save my skin from becoming stiff and cracking. I remove them and hold them tight. They will save me from so much pain. I can't wait to wear them.
I glance down at my son. He has a similar pair on his hands. A big smile lights up his chubby cheeked face as he claps his hands together and relishes the muffled sound.
"If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands." Clap clap
His voice is as excited as his expression.
I guide him to the check out counter and take out the money I've saved for this purchase. It's taken me all year, but I know it's worth it.
The lady at the counter rings up my son's mittens, then takes mine and does the same.
As she names the price, my heart sinks. It's double what the price was last week.
"Are you sure that's the correct price?"
She checks the pricing and nods. "Yes. They were on sale, but the sale's ended. This is the original price."
"Do you think they will come on sale again?" I struggle to ask, embarrassed by the fact that I can't afford such a small, yet necessary purchase.
She shakes her head. "Not until spring. But by then you won't need them."
Picking up the mittens I've chosen for myself, I give them a final squeeze then return them to their shelf. I must wait another year.
"Mommy, what's wrong? Aren't you getting mittens like mine too?" Concern lines the sides of my son's eyes. He knows how much the mittens mean to me. He's seen me save, sacrifice.
"No. Not today, son. Mommy will have to wait for a little longer."
His brow furrows. "How much longer? I thought we were going to be twins?"
I smile my sadness away and guide him back to the counter. "We will be. Soon."
He doesn't look satisfied with my answer, but lets it drop and goes back to clapping.
I pay the lady and exit the store with my son. The wind is already picking up, biting at my exposed face and hands. I rub my hands together to retain some of the warmth from the store.
I bend down and tuck my son's hat over his ears before pulling his coat up to his chin. "Make sure you keep on those mittens. They will keep your hands nice and warm."
"Thank you, momma." He gives me a quick hug.
I clasp his gloved hand and head in the direction of our cabin. Even though my hands may be cold, my heart is warm.

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