The Muffin Man

Flash Fiction

The Muffin Man

“Hey, you’re late.” said the guy behind the table. “I bet you’re looking for muffins, right?”

I was. Whenever he was at Town Fair I bought his muffins. Town Fair was every Saturday and I walked past it to get to my apartment. I babysat in the morning. The boy I sat for was delightful. His parents had something weekly Saturdays, so for an extra couple hours Saturday morning, I got a goodly amount of money! Win, win!

I brought Jefferson to Town Fair once; he was not excited. Not much for kids beyond things to buy. And I didn’t want to buy much for Jefferson! After that, I started going on my way home.

That day, I was late, the parents had an appointment and asked me to stay an extra hour. But, for twice as much as I usually make! Must have been important!

I didn’t blink an eye! Twice as much! And I could get extra muffins! If the muffin man was still there…

I rushed to his stall, and there was literally only one muffin there, he had it in his hand! Was he going to eat it!?

“Can I buy some?” I asked, hoping he had more under the table.

“One yes, some no, I only have one left, but you can have it, free.”

I took it with joy. Suddenly wanting to say more to this guy. “I’ll come earlier next week…”

“Don’t come back for muffins…,” he said.

Shocked, I said, “Won’t somebody be here next week?

He laughed. “I’m the one making muffins! I got a job at Trickies. Full time Muffin Man!”

Trickies, just two doors down from my apartment… Suddenly life was good again!

I am still eating his muffins years later! However now, I’m Mrs. Muffin Man.