The Cookout

The Cookout

Flash Fiction from Grocery List website

INITIAL WRITING  (204 words)

It has taken me so long to get my dad to visit us since we moved to California. I just don’t want to screw this up. My husband Sam tells me, “DeeDee, don’t fret about it. It’s only for two days.” But man, I just know when he arrives I will be a basket of nerves.

This is why I’ve decided to go off my vegan diet and have a cookout. It’s been years since I grilled hamburgers and hot dogs on our hibachi. But I know dad will love it. Cheese, too – wow. Not in my diet. This is the only way I think I can make it through to meet his approval. Sam says, “DeeDee, just be yourself,” but how long has my father mocked me for refusing to wear leather or eat meat. He never understood, and I doubt he will now.

I have to show him I’m not afraid to change. That I don’t have to be like him – inflexible.  I can honor his choices. Sam doesn’t get it. He has told me ten times, “DeeDee, you put too much emphasis on stupid details that don’t matter.” But I ask you – if he were your dad, what would you do?

 (100 word)

DeeDee was already a jittery mess when her dad arrived early.

“We’ll be having a hamburger and hot dog cookout tonight. I thought you’d like that,” she said with an uneasy smile.

He cleared his throat and said, “Well, don’t go to any trouble.”

“It’s no trouble, dad.” She started to slice the tomato and onion.

“Uh,” he said. “Maybe we could just eat your vegan food. Doc says I should lay off red meat and salt. Could be a good change. ”

Unable to discern who he was, DeeDee dumped the food into the sink and left the room.