Catch That Fly

One of my earlier stories

Photo by Chris Curry on Unsplash

It was 4:30pm on a warm afternoon in Cedar Hill, North Carolina. 10-year old Jeremiah and his 11-year old brother, Roman were playing hide and go seek in their large yard behind their black and white house. In the back of their minds, they were excited for dinner time, which was nearby. They could smell the pork chops their mom, Monica was cooking from afar.

''Um, that meat smells good.’’ said Jeremiah.

‘‘It sure does, J.’’ said Roman.

‘‘I'm getting hungry.’’ said Jeremiah.

‘‘Come on, J, hang in there a little longer. The food will be done soon. It's your turn to count.'' Roman replied.

Jeremiah ran in front of a tall white oak tree, closed his eyes and begin counting.''1…2…3!’’

Roman giggled & began running and searching to find a good hiding spot; where he thought Jeremiah couldn't find him.

''4…5…6!’’ yelled Jeremiah, as he continued to count.

After running nearby some tall green grass and a tall oak tree, Roman believed he found just the place where his brother wouldn't find him. He hid behind the tree that was in front of his parent's old house.

''He'll never find me here'' said Roman while giggling.

''8…9…10! Ready or not, I'm coming for you'' yelled Jermiah.

Jeremiah began looking for Roman. He looked behind the tree he was counting in front of.

''Hmmm, he's not there. Where… could… Rome be?''

Jeremiah looked on the right side of the house. He didn’t see Roman there. He then headed towards the tree in front of the house where Roman was hiding behind. Roman was getting nervous. Jeremiah was real close on his trail. Before Jeremiah had a chance to looked behind the tree, he heard his mom spoke by the door.

''Boys, it's dinner time!’’

‘‘Be right there mom!'' yelled Jeremiah.

Jeremiah headed towards the house. As he ran, he felt a tap on his head. It was Roman behind him.

''There you are Rome!’’ Jeremiah shouted.

‘‘Yep, you almost had me.’’

‘‘I did have you if mom didn't tell us dinner was ready. I'm so glad though. I'm ready to eat.’’

Me too, J, me too''.

Both boys enter the house and were in the kitchen. Their mom had cooked Pork Chops, Macaroni and Cheese, Stuffing, and Mixed Vegetables. Their dad. Ed had made a chocolate cake an hour ago. He was still in the living room watching a NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trailblazers on their black smart TV.

''Babe… dinner.’’ said Monica.

‘‘Alright, I'll be right there.’’ replied Ed.

‘‘Darn it! Travis missed the shot.'' Ed added.

Ed made his way to the kitchen to unite with Monica and their two sons. Ed looked at the food and was pleased to see the good food all over the table.

''I got to say, dear, this food looks wonderful!'' said Ed.

Monica smiled. She was happy that her efforts were appreciated.

''Alright everyone, let's eat.’’ said Monica.

Before they all grabbed some food, they all heard a buzzing sound. Ed really noticed the sound. He then saw what was a fly going close to the sink.

''Is that a fly? Oh no. Cover the food! All of it! Nobody eats till that fly is caught!’’

‘‘Really Ed?’’ Monica asked with her left eye rose up.

‘‘Yes really. That fly got to go.'' answered Ed.

Monica rolled her eyes at her husband's dramatics.

''Alright boys, let's find this fly so your dad can eat in peace.’’ said Monica.

‘‘Darn right.'' said Ed.

Roman and Jeremiah looked in the living room to see if they could find the fly and kill it. Roman then headed into the dining room to see if he saw it in there. The fly came out of nowhere at him. He tried hitting it with his white sneaker. He almost had it. The fly was too fast for him.

It headed in the living room. Jeremiah saw it going around in circles. He tried to creep up on it with one of his jackets. Jeremiah waited until he felt he had a good moment to strike. The fly was making his way towards him. Jeremiah was excited. He thought he had a shot to end the chase. The fly was in the face range. Jeremiah swinged his jacket at it.

‘‘Pow!’’ yelled Jeremiah.

He knocked off some candy on top of their TV. The fly got away again. Jeremiah couldn't believe it.

''I had it, how did it escape my shot?'' Jeremiah thought.

The fly headed back to the kitchen area. Ed tried hitting it with both of his hands. He missed both times. He was furious. The fly was flying away with a smile; as he thought about the attempts to take him down. And then… he saw a white flash! He started to lose consciousness, and began falling at the way to the kitchen floor. All he saw was black until all the life came out of him.

Monica still was in her swinging mode after she hit it with a newspaper. Jeremiah and Roman made their way back into the kitchen. Ed was thrilled that his wife got the fly. Jeremiah and Roman were glad that the fly was gone so they could eat now.

''You're the best, babe.'' Ed said before kissing Monica on her left cheek.

''Yeah, I know.'' Monica said with a smile.

''Alright boys, let's get those plates and start eating!

‘‘Yes sir''. Roman and Jeremiah both said with glee.