Variety

Written 54-L22 [2023-06-15], Edited 54-L22 [2023-06-15]

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I picked up a pack of cereal on the shelf. It was one of those packs that have little boxes of different cereals. There was Frosted Flakes, Cheerios, Rice Krispies, and even boring old Corn Flakes.

I know cereals.

“Put down that cereal variety pack,” Mom said. “Didn’t I tell you we’re only having algae-derived gruel for breakfast this month?’

“But I want the Frosted Flakes,” I said. “I saw Tony the Tiger on TV.”

“The fate of the world hangs in the balance!” Mom said. “And when did you start watching TV?”

“Brittany let me watch Paw Patrol,” I said.

“That’s what I get for hiring cheap babysitters,” Mom said. I had no idea what she meant.

Mom got a sack of sugar, put it in her bag, and started walking towards the counter.

“Is that all?” asked the guy running the store.

“Do I get to eat the sugar?” I asked.

“Yes and no,” said Mom. “The sugar is for the algal-fungal symbiote strain.”

“How come I have to eat algae and the algae get to eat sugar? I want the Frosted Flakes! I want Tony the Tiger to be my friend!”

“I’ll be paying by debit,” Mom said.

Notes

This was written in 10 minutes during a Joy of Writing meetup. It is a continuation of Bloom.

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