Dream Chaser

We hike the rocky trail circling the lake.  Tall pines, gentle breeze, and birds soaring above set the perfect peaceful scene.  I’d like to sprawl out on a rock, in a warm patch of sun, and eavesdrop on the woods surrounding us.  I’d like to hear the chipmunk I spotted scurry across the crunchy pine needles.  There is no opportunity to rest in silence, though.  My companion has too much to say.

He tells me about his latest business idea.  Oh, there have been many.  This time, it’s a restaurant:  Little Bean’s is the name.  He can’t tell me where this restaurant will be but insists it will have “yummy” food.  He says there will be a bar area that serves bowls of beef jerky- for free.  Then he describes the dessert that will make his restaurant famous.

This dessert begins with two brownies, each three inches by two inches (I kid you not.)  Atop the brownies, sits a scoop of vanilla ice cream, smothered with chocolate and caramel sauce.  Oh, and several maraschino cherries.  He loves those.  He circles his hands to show me the plate size and declares that it will only cost $2.99.  “Is that a good price?” he asks.

I’m not business-minded, but I agree the price is reasonable.  “As long as you don’t spend more for the ingredients than what you charge,” I warn.  Sometimes these details escape him.  I imagine not many seven-year-olds contemplate profit when thinking of a business plan.  There’s time for that in second grade, I suppose.

To him, monkey bars and swings are pedantic.  So last year, he would say.  Pickles has his mind on bigger plans, his head immersed in dreams.  He tries to take his Mommy with him, but I am tangled in a lifetime of realism.  From his side of the dream, it looks like cynicism.

I hold his hand, but let him go.  I remind myself:  a dream can never be caught while standing still.

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This is my response to Trifecta’s writing prompt.  I’ve categorized this as fiction, however, it is based on a lengthy (and rather one-sided) conversation with my seven-year-old, who we affectionately call, “Pickles.”  This week, we were asked to write a 33 to 333 word response (mine is 329) using the following word/definition:

PEDANTIC (adjective): unimaginative, pedestrian

If you want to read other responses, or try the challenge yourself, click on the tricycle picture to view Trifecta’s site.  Happy writing (and reading!)

P.S. This prompt didn’t work with where I’m going with Darlene’s Story.  I hope to have another segment next time 🙂

Oh, and this is a community-voted challenge, which means that readers have the opportunity to vote on their three favorites.  Voting starts on Trifecta’s site after the challenge closes on Thursday, at 8PM eastern time.

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