By Jim Pownall
I strolled Robbie’s pushchair down every aisle, occasionally adding something to the basket to appear less suspicious. After we had circled the store, I paid at the checkouts and hurried toward the exit.
“Stop!” said the security guard. “Did you pay for that?” He pointed at Robbie, who was clutching a chorizo sausage.
“Oh, he must have grabbed it when I wasn’t looking.” I handed over the chorizo and took Robbie home, to where his mum lived.
Back in my studio flat there was rotting meat, unopened crisps, and wine. Each stolen item was a souvenir of our rare time together.
This is a clever story of an unwitting accomplice–and a twisted mind. Great job.
Hi Bobby,
thank you for reading.
Funnily enough, the story is actually based on true events. My mother’s friend used to steal shopping in this exact way… Quite strange but good story material.
Thanks again,
Jim
This has real impact. The pain of separation from our child warps the mind, can make us crazy.
Hi Carol,
Thank you for the kind words. I really appreciate it.
Jim
I really enjoyed this story. Nice character development for such a short piece!
Thank you so much.
I’m sorry for the seriously late reply. Stuff like this keeps me writing.
All the best,
Jim
A short but very intense and precise story. Gives a very deep sense of how we humans have the tendency to cling or hold on to our loved ones, their belongings and their memories. Thank you.
Thank you. Years later, I still appreciate kind works.