Glass Ball Publications

“Let’s go to the Royal Wedding,” Aunt Katie said as she put on wedding music. They marched through the house, their fine hats waving at all the people.

“Let’s see what else is hiding in here,” said Aunt Katie, digging in the closet. She tossed out scarves, gloves, pocketbooks, and shoes. “Oh, look at this, it’s a hard hat that belonged to your Abuelo. I also have this batting helmet that had been your father’s.”

“Wow,” said Mia, “you have hats from everyone.”

“There are hats for any occasion,” said Aunt Katie, sitting in a pile of hats on the floor.

“Would you wear a special hat for my birthday on Saturday?” asked Mia.

“Certainly,” said Aunt Katie, and maybe I will bring you one too.

Mia was turning seven on Saturday, and her mother had invited all her aunts and uncles, grandparents, and cousins. Mamma was making a Tres leches cake with caramel sauce. Mia drooled thinking about that sweet milky cake.

When people began arriving for the party, they brought presents of all sizes and shapes. Auntie Laine and Uncle Hector came first. Uncle Hector is funny, and Auntie Laine is beautiful and smells like a field of flowers.

Next came Aunt Paula and Mia’s cousin Emily. Aunt Paula sometimes took Mia to a show with Emily. Shows are full of songs and dancing, but you must sit still for a long time.

Mia’s grandparents came, and they brought a card from Aunt Isabella, who lives far away. Mia remembers when Aunt Isabella visits, she pinches Mia’s cheeks and tells her she is getting big. Mia doesn’t mind the cheek pinching as long as her friends don’t see.

The room with the presents was filled. Mia snuck in for a peek as more people arrived. She hoped for a bike but didn’t see a big box. Mia’s mother saw her in the room and chased her out.

“No peeking. Go outside with your cousins and play until we’re ready for the party.”

“Ok,” said Mia, jumping around, “I’m just so excited!”

“I know,” laughed her mother, “but you have to wait.”

Mia and her cousins played hide-and-seek and then Mar Y Tierra* until they were tired and hungry. The adults finally called everyone to eat.

After lunch, the family gathered for cake and presents. Mia sat in the center. Her mother brought her presents and cards.

Mia wiggled with excitement in her chair.

“Does she have ants in her pants?” asked Uncle Hector.

Everyone laughed, and Mia’s cheeks felt warm as she tried to sit still.

Auntie Laine’s present was a beautiful dress with embroidery.

“Thank you, Auntie Laine,” said Mia.

Aunt Paula gave her three action figures from the latest movie they had seen last month.

“This is great, thanks,” said Mia.

Aunt Isabella had sent her a nice card with some money.

“I’m going to save this to buy a bike,” said Mia.

Just then, her father rolled a bright blue bike out of the garage.

“Aye!” yelled Mia as she ran to the new bike. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Mia started to climb on the bike when her mother said, “One more present for you to open, Mia.”

Mia wondered how she could have missed it, but it was sitting on her chair. This gift was from Aunt Katie.

Mia pulled off the ribbon and the paper. Inside was a brand-new bike helmet with racing stripes on the side and a blue buckle.

“Thank you, Aunt Katie. This is the best hat ever.” Mia put on her new hat, climbed on her bike, and took it for a spin.

*Mar Y Tierra is a traditional game. Everyone lines up next to a line on the ground so they can jump to both sides. One side is mar (“sea”) and the other tierra (“land”). The person leading the game calls out "mar " or "tierra, " and the players jump across the line to the matching side. If the players jump to the wrong side, they are out.

It always starts slowly, then gradually the speed of calling the names increases. The leader tries to fool the group by calling the same side more than once.

Flash Fiction -

No Remorse

Jennie booked her annual waterfall tour, checking off year four. This time, she convinced her friend Shayla from work to join her. Jennie’s personal goal was to see as many waterfalls as possible in her lifetime. Usually, she had been a solo traveler, which wasn’t bad. She felt anchored with the Adventure Tour group.

Shayla was older, divorced, and frequently talked about finding her destiny. She couldn’t quite explain what she was seeking, and Jennie thought she might find it in Ecuador, this year’s destination.

Jennie stood at the checkpoint waiting. She had explained to Shayla that Ecuador is located on the equator and hoped Shayla had packed accordingly. Her tip was to pack sturdy hiking boots, bug spray, and lightweight, cool clothing.

Jennie’s mouth turned down as she saw Shayla pulling an oversized suitcase toward her.

Shayla gave a shrug and a half-smile. “Don’t take offense; I probably won’t need everything, but I wanted to be prepared for what could be my destiny. The rest can go in the trash or just return home.”

Jennie nodded, “All good. You’re on the verge of an epic adventure.” She reached up and touched Shayla’s shoulder and felt her tension melt.

Two flights and twelve hours later, they checked into their hotel. This tour group always booked them in quaint, picturesque accommodations. The two women inserted their keys into the doors of their rooms across the hall from one another. “Come get me when you’re settled,” Jennie said.

An hour later, Jennie fidgeted. What could be taking her so long? She had that huge suitcase, but I should respect her boundary and just wait, thought Jennie, tapping her fingers on her knee. Fifteen minutes later, Jennie gave in and made the decision to knock on Shayla’s door.

Shayla opened the door a crack, her hair was crunched to one side of her head, and there was a dry trail of drool on her cheek. “I’m sorry. I fell asleep. Come on in and just give me a minute to freshen up.”

Jennie entered the room. The giant suitcase was open on the floor, with Shayla’s belongings scattered throughout, including drawers, the dresser, the chair, and the TV. Did it explode?

“I’ll be ready in a flash,” said Shayla as she grabbed a bra from the chair and a top out of one of the drawers.

It didn’t take long before Shayla emerged from the bathroom. Jennie put her hand to her chest and did a double take, “Wow, you look great. Let’s get downstairs for the welcome meeting.”

A light dinner was served to the vacationers as they received their packets, which included the agenda and excursion details. Jennie had to see all three waterfalls on the trip. Shayla pointed to the one scouting for exotic birds and orchids within the rainforest. They agreed it would be an awesome holiday.

Every day was action-packed. The weather was superb, the Ceviche was the best Jennie had ever eaten, and the flora and fauna entranced Shayla.

On the fifth day, the women followed the group on the path to the San Raphael waterfall. Jennie noticed that Shayla limped as they approached the cliff and the water’s edge. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” said Shayla as she sat down on a rock to remove her shoes. “Just a little blister, I don’t want to derail the trip for a sore foot.” “Aahhh,” she breathed, tilting her eyes to the sky and lowering her foot into the cool water.

Other people in the group were stripping off their clothes and shoes. “I hope you don’t have remorse for coming on this trip,” said Jennie.

Shayla stood to watch people jumping over the waterfall. “Not at all, this has been great.” Their group mates shouted and laughed as they splashed into the deep water below. “This confirms it. My destiny is in the water,” she said as she jumped over the edge.

“Noooo,” screamed Jennie. “You can’t swim!”