Flash Fiction Entries

Something Important

What a vacation this had been so far. Kids yelling and screaming, wanting to do this, wanting to buy that. And Beth was no better, spending money on junk. Who needs souvenirs anyway?

As I pulled away from the motel, Buddy, my youngest, started in on me.

"Dad, Dad..."

"Shut up. Don't talk to me until I've had my coffee." I tried to speak quietly and gritted my teeth, my hands gripping the steering wheel, all my concentration on the golden arches down the street. Traffic wasn't bad for 6:30 in the morning, but the drive-through line was a few cars long.

"Daaaad..."

"What did I tell you, Buddy? I don't want to hear one more word out of you until I get my coffee. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Dad, but..."

"Buddy, I mean it!"

Finally, I was next to order.

"Give me a large coffee, black."

I looked to my right to see if Beth wanted anything and...no Beth. Ah, I realized what Buddy was trying to tell me.