Happy New Year one and all. It is going to be a fun year. This year I have all sorts of fun things planned, not the least of which is beefing up the membership section. For those interested Thee will be new and exciting things in the membership area. But for now, we have the first prompt of 2025. Let’s see how it shapes up, shall we? Timers set to fifteen minutes. And remember don’t stop writing until the timer goes off. This is just about letting the words go from your brain to the page. editing and adjusting can come later, but for now, just write.
That is not where I thought this sentence would go.
Wednesday, January 1st: It was a huge fish.
It was a huge fish. The salmon stretched across the platter, overhanging on both ends. Carl sat facing the head of the fish. Now roasted and with a mustard and herb marinade, it’s eyes had gone opaque. The salmon was always his favorite part of the feast. He loved the flavor of the sauce and there was something about being presented with a whole fish, especially one this size that made him feel decadent.
Although he would never admit it, a part of him felt as though he was an emperor of old being presented with a feast day platter.
The sentiment did not seem to be shared. He glanced at the others. Many seemed to be horrified. Others looked confused.
“Well don’t just sit there staring at it,” Old Eloise said. “Tuck in.”
Carl looked at the others, none of them making a move. He shrugged, stood up and leaned in. He carved himself a slice from the fish, putting it on his plate and making sure to gather up some of the sauce. He could feel the eyes of the others watching him as he moved. There were others who reached in and took their share but for the most part it was only those like him who grew up with the presentation and the flavors of the dish.
Their taking of the fish started the others in motion however and soon bowls of vegetables were passed around. They seemed content but still darted suspicious looks to the fish still dominating the center of the table. He could see Eloise glancing at them with dissatisfaction, but he shrugged it off and enjoyed his meal.
There was little conversation and despite his best intentions, he felt his shoulders tense. He understood the fact that a whole fish wasn’t for everyone. He also knew that Eloise sent around an e-mail before preparing for the feast. She asked about allergies and preferences and everyone asserted they had no issue with salmon. As he ate, Carl tried to recall if she mentioned it would be a whole fish or not.
As it was her typical presentation he hadn’t paid too much attention.
The quieter than usual meal wound to a close and people began to drift away from the table. There was still a lot of fish left. He could see Eloise scowling.
“Is there any way I could take some of the left overs home?” he asked. Carl had eaten two portions and while he knew he couldn’t take a third at the moment, he knew if he didn’t take some of the left overs home he would regret it. One of the younger people at the table, already half turned away from the table, shivered in revolution at his comment.
Eloise lit up with a bright smile. “Of course you can,” she told him. They rose and Carl helped gather plates and take them into the kitchen. There were a few others who joined him but most seemed to want to put as much distance between themselves and the table as fast as possible.
“I’d love some extras too,” Mike added. He was helping to load the dishwasher. Carl, Mike and Eloise were the only ones in the kitchen.
Ten til Midnight 