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Friday, April 28, 2023

“Bittersweet Potato Rolls” • by Jason Burnham

 

Jim excused himself from the table after everyone had said what they were thankful for. Every year, he had a one-second timer ready on his phone so he could “check the sweet potato rolls” when it was his turn.


He removed the rolls from the oven he’d turned off before people sat down. If the rolls had only been his dad’s favorite, he’d have stopped making them, but his son loved them too.

Baking them the first year after the big fight had hurt. The pain hadn’t lessened since, but he’d grown and there was more space inside to live with it.

Thanks for nothing, Dad.

When he brought out the rolls, everyone was eating—they’d forgotten he hadn’t said what he was thankful for.

________________

 

Jason P. Burnham loves to spend time with his wife, children, and dog. Find him on Twitter at @AndGalen.

This week’s Pete Wood Challenge was to write a 150-word or less story that includes the line, “Thanks for nothing.” To see the previous winners of previous challenges, click this link.


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