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The Salt Cellar

by Laurence 

Posted: 11 April 2010
Word Count: 400
Summary: Week 203 Challenge


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I was one of those jokes bought on holiday rarely used but I guess I have charm because despite being a little chipped I still adorn the Finney's table. There have been some good times and bad. At the moment there’s friction in the air. Hazel wants to go away with her boyfriend for the weekend and Dad, Joe, has said no. Hazel doesn't intend letting it lie so there will be another row during the meal.

'Lay the table Ben,' yells Joyce, 'Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.'

Well that spells trouble because Ben hates laying the table. I will ever get used to cutlery clattering on the table.

'Done!'

'I don't think so potato head,' says Hazel.

'Don't bicker you to,' interjects Joyce.

'He started it,' says Hazel.

Excuse me I don't think so. Poor Ben may not have laid the table to your standard Miss High- and- mighty- no- body- understands- me but I didn't see you help. In fact you haven't helped since you met that lanky drip of a boyfriend. What do you see in him? Hazel please put me down. Ouch there was no need to slam me down on the table.

'This is stupid. Why do we still use it?' It's an embarrassment.'

Have you looked at yourself recently? Call that a skirt? It looks more like a belt!

'Garry says we shouldn't use salt.'

'Who's interested in what Garry says?' Ben ducks to avoid Hazel’s hand.

Now put me down please. I’m flying! That hurt. Now look what you've done. I'm shattered. The tender hands of Joyce gently picks up my pieces. I can see a tear forming in her eye.

'Hazel, how could you? You’re grounded. Don’t start laughing at your sister, Ben.’

Joyce places the pieces on the work bench.

We've been through a lot Joyce. I can remember when it was just you and Paul long before the kids came along. I'm useless now, fit only for the bin. Forgive me if I have a little cry.

***
Later that evening Joyce and Paul sit at the kitchen table piecing me together and talking about past times. I try not to listen because it is really private. I had to smile when they say how important I am. The glue is a bit tickly but I will mend. Everything would be fine in the morning; it always is.








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Comments by other Members



tusker at 07:37 on 11 April 2010  Report this post
Glad you could make it, Laurence.

I like the idea of a salt seller's tale, commenting on a typical family meal time scene.

It's comments,amusing. Ah, I remember those times well.

Then the scene of Joyce and husband putting the old salt seller back again.

One nit, Dad, in the beginning was called Joe. At the end, he's Paul.


Jennifer



Prospero at 08:40 on 11 April 2010  Report this post
Hi Laurence

I remember being at a dinner party where someone threw a roll and someone threw back a silver salt cellar which was totally inappropriate reaction.

This is a well written piece, but the title confused me somewhat as the object you are referring to is spelt Cellar. A Salt Seller might be found in India where Ghandi's defiance of British rule began with the refusal to pay the tax on salt.

Best

John

Laurence at 11:23 on 11 April 2010  Report this post
No confusion John - just typo-error.

Thanks for your comments.

Laurence

Dreamer at 12:11 on 11 April 2010  Report this post
Hi Laurence,
Well I learn something every day here. Never knew what a salt cellar was, have only seen salt shakers here.
Felt sorry for the poor thing. Sounds like the brother should have taken verbal jousting
lessons from the salt
cellar.
Interesting slice from a typical family scene.
Thanks for the read
best
Brian

Laurence at 18:27 on 11 April 2010  Report this post
Thanks for your comments Brian. I had intended explaining that the salt cellar was a little Swiss guy in traditional dress given by the Grandmother on the first wedding anniversary of the parents but ran out of words!!

Laurence


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