One Small Gift

When Elli sees a woman setting up her home for the night, she decides to help out a little

Desperate to find non-warped tupperware, Elli banged around in her pantry.

Her daughter, Maria, threw some nonperishables in a bag. “What else should I put in here?”

“A bottle or two of the big water bottles. A roll of toilet paper.” Elli returned to her search. Triumph filled her. Holding the tupperware treasure, she scurried to fill it with chili. She filled another container with dog food.

With a heavy bag straining in her hand, Maria wandered back in. “What else should I put in here?”

“Did you find fruit?”

“Yep, Pears.”

“Fantastic. Can you bag some cheese?” Elli snagged a couple of dog bone chewies and tossed them in the bag. The cheese and a plastic spoon completed the bag of goodies. “We’ll be back.”

She grabbed her husband to drive. Fear slammed into her gut as they drove. What if she’d been too slow and the intended recipient was gone?

They spotted the makeshift cart home on the side of the road, but it appeared empty. Elli’s heart lurched. No, surely she hadn’t been chased off. There were no nearby houses to complain and everything seemed contained.

Her husband pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and she got out. Two dogs popped up from behind the cart, investigating the noise. They began barking, protecting their sleeping owner and their wandering home.

The thin woman with wispy hair sat up, trying to silence her dogs. When she spotted Elli, her brow wrinkles deepened with confusion.

Elli said, “We brought you all some dinner. Have a good night.”

Wary of the dogs, she set the food down and fled to the truck. Not a word was spoken between them as they drove home. She hoped the trio enjoyed their dinner.


This is an entry for

Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  (13+) Enter your story of 300 words or less. #896794 by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon