07-30-2009

This is from a exercise in one of my new books. Here is aparaphrase of the exercise: Curious child asking parent questions. Parent has inner monolouge about larger issue admist the conversation.

I kinda struggled with this onee, but it turned out ok... I think.

Start Fiction:

     "Mom," little Charlie began. "Why do people get so fat?" he said as he pointed at a rather large man walking into the mall ahead of them.
     Sheila felt her face flush. She looked around, slightly embarrassed. She hestitated and waited until the man got in the doors. "Well, some people have illnesses that can cause them to gain weight," Sheila said.
     "So all fat people are sick?"
     "No, just some people," she said.
     "How do the other people get so fat? Are they born that way, like those two ladies?" he said as he pointed at two women coming out of the mall. They were very large women, appearing to struggle with each step. Sheila knew her six year old didn't see fat or skinny as an issue of beauty, or character, but purely innocent curiosity. She wanted to teach and inform, but she felt that could prove difficult.
     "Some people are born chubby," she began. "but babies are usually only chubby until the start walking, and all that exercise and playing causes them to lose weight."
     "So going to the park is good for you?" he said as he skipped.
     "Yes."
     "Then why are there only kids at the park playing?" Charlie said as he stopped.
     "That's a good question," she said as she sat down on one of the benches near the entrance. Here was a moment she knew she was going to remember for years and wanted to soak it all in and make sure she took the time to answer all of his questions.
     "Why don't you play when we go to the park?"
     "Are you saying I am fat?"
     "You're not fat!" Charlie said. He looked at Sheila and cocked his head. "If you don't play at the park, how did you get skinny?"
     Now we're getting somewhere! Sheila thought. I have to pick my words carefully.
     "I watch what I eat, how much I eat. I eat good, healthy foods and I exercise, but not at the park," she said.
     "Food can make you fat?"
     "A lot of food can make you fat."
     "Like candy?"
     Perfect, Shelia thought.
     "Candy, cookies, cake, brownies, ice cream, soda, fried chicken, french fries..."
     "Whoa," Charlie said. He sat down next to Sheila and hung his head. He tapped his foot on the ground. "but apples and watermellon and strawberries and veggies are good for you, right?"
     "Yes, very good for you."
     Charlie's wheels were turning. He looked at the mall where the ice cream store was, where they were headed.
     "Mom," he said. "can we go to the park instead?"
     "We sure can," Sheila said as she hugged Charlie. "We sure can."


End Fiction.