Do you garden? Do you share what you grow? I wrote this story for you.
Carrots
One sky-blue morning, Victoria Pig visited Mariam Horse’s garden. “My, what a fine crop of carrots you have, Mariam.”
“Yes, there’s nothing like carrots fresh out of the garden. And I have far too many.” As quickly as she could, Mariam Horse picked a basketful for Victoria Pig.
That afternoon, Lilja Squirrel visited Mariam Horse’s garden. “You sure do know how to grow carrots.”
“Would you like some?” Without waiting for an answer, Mariam Horse picked a basketful for Lilja Squirrel.
A few minutes later, Wen Rabbit visited Mariam Horse’s garden. “Wow, I sure do love carrots.”
Mariam Horse picked the remaining carrots and handed the basket to Wen Rabbit.
“I couldn’t take your last ones,” Wen Rabbit said.
“Yes, you can and will. I can always grow more,” Mariam Horse said.
Early the next day, Wen Rabbit returned Mariam Horse’s basket. She left it on the porch with a note that read, “Enjoy!” Mariam Horse looked inside and found a dozen carrot muffins.
That afternoon Lilja Squirrel returned Mariam Horse’s basket. She left it on the porch with a note that read, “For you!” Mariam Horse looked inside and found a carrot cake with creamy icing.
A few minutes later, Victoria Pig knocked on Mariam Horse’s door. “I just wanted to return your basket and as a thank you, I made you some carrot juice.” She handed a jar to Mariam Horse.
“That’s so kind of you,” Mariam Horse said. “Here, let me walk you to the gate.”
On the way to the gate, Mariam Horse led Victoria Pig passed the apple tree.
“My don’t your apples look delicious,” Victoria Pig said.
“Oh, yes, they are and I have far too many.” Mariam Horse ran to get a ladder.
Congratulations to...
Anne Michaels author of Held for winning the 2024 Gillar Prize.
When writer and reader meet each other's gaze on the page, there's the possibility that something can be mended. -Anne Michaels
