@mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2034 -- Prompt: a very close shave

Image by Alicja from Pixabay

“See, here is the thing; a nectarine is the cousin of a peach, a cousin that has had a very close shave.”

This was nine-year-old Milton Trent, waxing eloquent about the nature of nectarines as he showed one to neighbor six-year-old Grayson Ludlow before the latter got called home for lunch.

Milton had been sharing some of his new Legos for Grayson to play with when Mrs. Trent had come back from Fruitland Memorial Park with freshly picked nectarines, and the two had started talking about the fruit.

“So, peaches and nectarines are like Robert and I, although we are adopted brothers now,” Grayson answered.

“Exactly,” Milton said. “First cousins, but close enough to be brothers whose fashion choices are just a little different.”

“Well, that makes sense – I'm a little taller, and my eyes are gray while his are blue, and he talks quite a bit more, but otherwise, yeah, it makes sense. I think Robert and Amanda are definitely more like peaches and me and Edwina definitely more like nectarines, and then I'll have to figure out who are like the apricots and plums in the family.”

“Plums are just like clean-shaven apricots, yeah,” Milton said. “I would say George is like a plum – always has a juicy idea!”

“And, he is my brother by birth, so that makes sense,” Grayson said. “Andrew my brother by birth is a plum type too, but a different one, and Eleanor my cousin is kind of like an apricot because she is quiet, but warm and fuzzy and sweet.”

“It's a good thing all of you were adopted,” Milton said. “That sounds like a great bowl you all have there as a family!”

“I think so too!” Grayson said, and then tackle-hugged Milton before getting called home for lunch.

An hour later, Milton saw Grayson tip out of his house with a big paper bag, look both ways, and then cross the gap between the Trent and Ludlow houses.

“I'm still supposed to be eating lunch, but here – and thank you – share with Gracie and cheer her up, and Velma too!” he said as he passed the bag and tiptoed home.

Inside the bag were two donut peaches, a red plum, a green plum, two small nectarines, an apricot, and a signed note in marker, written by Eleanor: “Love to Milton, Gracie, and Velma from Eleanor, Andrew, George, Edwina, Amanda, especially Grayson, and Robert.”

“I do love a green plum and an apricot,” eight-year-old Gracie said while grounded in her room as Milton passed her a plum through her window. “Tell 'em all I love 'em and will see them tomorrow!”