23 february 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2656: vigorous shake

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

“The thing about store-bought sauces is that they settle, so I really hate that I don't always have the energy to make them from scratch – if you don't give them a vigorous shake, half the spice coats the jar and doesn't get into the food.”

“Melissa, you need to always remember – like I am reminding my husband – your mental health needs come first, so if you need to save time with seven mouths to feed, there's no reason to feel bad.”

Mrs. Melissa Trent was talking with Mrs. Thalia Ludlow about cooking, and Mrs. Ludlow had a further tip.

“I have nine mouths over here, and so I feel no guilt when it is necessary to get things together and get done. Besides that, I have professional shakers over here to help me – behold!”

Mrs. Trent was still laughing hours later with what Mrs. Ludlow had really done to cheer her up...

“Yeah, we're professionals, see, because, we have jumpsuits with jump packs in the front and parachutes coming soon – next week, though! – in the back!

The sight of five-year-old Lil' Robert Ludlow and six-year-old Grayson Ludlow happily jumping up and down in the kitchen, a jar of sauce still sealed and zipped into their little backpacks until they were tired and presented the jars for inspection to their grandmother – “Approved, gentlemen!” – was enough to drive off the sadness of anyone and everyone that saw or heard about it.

Mrs. Trent took a bottle of that well-shaken teriyaki vegetable sauce home and got right down to business, the burden lifted from her.

“And see, I can't do anything Japanese from scratch because I wouldn't even know where to start,” her mother, Mrs. Velma Stepforth said. “I've been telling y'all – despite what the world would have us believe, there ain't no competition. You are the best at what you are the best at, Melissa – no need to think about me cooking from scratch and feeling some type of way. These kids have been waiting on the diverse cuisine you get together, and your dad and your husband just want it to be good – and it is.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Melissa said. “I really needed the support.”

“You know who you should hang out with more often is Mrs. Lee – Maggie, since she's pretty much moved in now. Yeah, most often she's going to be helping Mrs. Ludlow, but, if you ask nicely, you could have a great cooking partner closer to your age, and besides, Vertran is going to pull her into what we are doing anyway because you know she has her own cooking show on YouTube, too.”

“Really? Wow.”

“This is the thing, daughter: you know I have your back forever. I'm your mother. But this is where you need to learn from your father: get comfortable with networking with who you need to build support beyond what happens to be around you.”

Mrs. Trent considered this, and then stood up a little taller.

“Hey, Maggie – try my quick teriyaki stir-fry!” she said as she went across to the new Lee home.

Mrs. Maggie Lee came out with a smile.

“Why, thank you – I heard from my little Ludlow cousins that you can make some stir-fry and that's something I want to learn!”

Mrs. Stepforth and Mrs. Ludlow stood back and just smiled.

“Mission accomplished,” Mrs. Ludlow said.

“Grand Mama powers,” Mrs. Stepforth said, “with the Ebony and Ivory enhancements!”

“Mama Step, do you need some sauce, because we're always ready!” Lil' Robert said as he came jumping out of the house with Grayson.

“Not right now, baby,” she said, “but I will let you know as soon as I need some.”

“Y'all can go ahead and stay in practice,” Mrs. Ludlow said, and both grandmothers smiled as the two little boys jumped and jumped and jumped.

“They are going to sleep good tonight!” Mrs. Stepforth said.

“Yep,” Mrs. Ludlow said. “Missions accomplished.”