A Pumpkin and a Patch

by Jennifer Peel

Why had I trusted him? I knew better. It was all the dang wooing.

I was in need of all the chocolate products. Everything from chocolate ice cream to chocolate syrup that I might just drink straight from the bottle.

I picked up a bag of chocolate-covered blueberries, thinking some fruit would be a good idea.

I continued to stroll down the aisle while perusing the Halloween candy. I had a little more room left in my basket, and I might need some protein—like peanut butter cups.

If you got more than six hours of sleep a night during this time of year, you were considered soft.

“For a long time, I wanted to be someone else. I didn’t want to be different. But my mother made me see there is strength in being different in a world where we crave to blend in.

“’Tis the season,” she quipped. “Fall-a-la-la-la,” I sang.

Did you see all those women tonight? You’re a hot ticket item.” I tried not to sound jealous. He squeezed my hand. “What other women? All I saw was you.”

Triumphs, not tragedies.