Lemon Raspberry Jam

• Charlotte Auld, Grade 8
• Short Story
• 2017

Man I hate waiting. I always have ever since I was really little. Waiting room are the worst, especially when your life depends on what comes afterwards. In this particular waiting room I see all the average stereo types; an older lady reading a magazine, little kids running around the place with their parents running after them. Gosh I wish this part could be over.

I look over to my father. He looks as pale as a ghost; I can’t blame him this is our ticket for a better life. It’s been rough ever since my mother died. I mean it’s been so hard on my father in particular. Having to raise a nine year old boy on his own with a low paying job, must be difficult.

“Tyler are you coming or...”my dad says, oops I must’ve zoned out, I do that sometimes. We sit in fancy chairs across from a blonde middle aged lady. She begins, “how can I help you two men today?” She couldn’t seem more disinterested if she had tried.

My father starts, “This right here is my great grandmother’s famous lemon raspberry jam” I zoned out after that. I have heard his speech so many times in so many different offices. The lady tries the jam and I see something change in her expression. Please tell me the good news.

She says after my father wraps up his speech, “Mr Quinn, that great grandmother of yours is quite talented. Thank you for your time this looks quite promising. I’ll call you when I make up my mind. Have a lovely day.” Boy was I having a lovely day! Maybe, just maybe we can actually make it.