Farmers' Market

Carrie swayed where she stood, arching her back to relieve the weight of Emily strapped to her chest by a brightly colored sling. The table in front of them bent under the weight of fresh produce. Blueberries and strawberries jostled for position with tomatoes and zucchini. An old man sat in a canvas chair under the shade of the umbrella.

Carrie narrowed her eyes as she searched through the produce.

"Do you have any raspberries, Mr. Wells?" she asked.

He stood slowly, his arms supporting his body on the chair as his legs unfolded. Standing, he eyed the produce, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "I know the boys picked some this morning." He shifted the bins overflowing with leafy greens. "Hold tight. They ought to be around here somewhere."

Carrie waited while he made his way towards the truck parked behind the umbrella. She bent down to kiss the top of Emily's head, the downy hair tickling her nose. "What do you think, sweetheart? Do you think Mr. Wells is going to have raspberries so Mama can make creme brulee tonight?" Emily gurgled a reply. "I think you're right. We may have to go with chocolate cake."

Carrie propped the handle of the red wagon filled with fresh vegetables and fruit against the table. The gardens at Hidden Hollow supplied most of the produce she needed, but she still liked to wander the weekly Farmers' Market.

Carrie picked up a tomato, its skin tight and firm. "This is gorgeous." Emily flapped her arms. "I know, baby. We have tomatoes." She set it back down on the table, her fingers lingering on the glossy surface. "I could always do a caprice salad for lunch tomorrow," she murmured. Emily's tiny fist caught Carrie's hair. She yanked. "Ouch!" Carrie untangled the strands. "You're right. We have enough tomatoes."

Mr. Wells stepped in front of them, a single box of raspberries in his hands. "Here you go. I knew I had some somewhere. Ain't many left," he apologized.

Carrie dug a handful of crumpled bills out of the pocket of her skirt. "We'll still take them." She took raspberries and started to set them down. The berries glistened, tempting.

Carries smiled as she walked away. Selecting a plump berry, she popped it into her mouth, the flavor exploding on her tongue. "You're going to love these next summer, little one." She ate another, a smile on her face at the sublte sweetness of the fruit.

Emily's arms flapped, her legs kicking while she gurgled in excitement. "Wow. You are looking forward to it," Carrie said, amusement tinging her voice.

"Hello Carrie."

The box of raspberries fell to the ground.

This is a fictional post inspired by the Write on Edge prompt: flavor.

This post takes place late in the summer after Emily's birth. If you'd like to read more about Hidden Hollow, check out Fictional Mandyland.

As usual, concrit is always helpful. No. Seriously. My fiction writing is a tad bit rusty, so I'd love feedback.