Short Short Story

Chapter 1: A Hot Afternoon

Malcolm combed his hair, folded his shirt sleeves, and put a fake smile on his face while battling the hot Friday afternoon vibe away, just before his mother called from the driveway, “Malcolm Jamal Hafi, if you don’t get in the car right now, I’ll take away your M BOX.” Malcolm rushed down the stairs, with an intention to surprise his mother, and ultimately correct her terrible mistake, “The word you’re looking for is X Box mom.”

Anita Hafi wasn’t just another housewife and mother; in fact she was the queen of her humble castle. Who wouldn’t be scared of her long black hair, piercing brown eyes, and loud quivering shriek? Not her husband, that’s for sure, Alfred Hafi, man of the house, Mr. Mom, call him what you wish, but he’s still the sweet, funny man with the mustache.

Alfred turned on his engine, switched the gear to drive, and adjusted his mirrors while smiling back at Tina’s reflection. He knew they had a long drive ahead of them, but he was happy to have his whole family in one place for once. Ever since his youngest daughter, Suzy, got pregnant, everyone’s been busy with the baby shower preparations that they forgot what it felt like to have a quiet family dinner. Well, not today, they didn’t. Alfred had everything planned out, from road trip songs to midnight snacks, but one little detail he forgot to tweak was destiny’s plan.

“How long do you think it’ll take us to get to Suzy’s”, Demanded Anita while blowing her gum in Alfred’s face.

Anita’s words flew right out of her engaged mouth, struggled their way through her over-chewed gum, and landed in Alfred’s ears like a blanket lands on a baby’s warm body. “According to my calculations, I’ll be holding my baby in my arms right about tomorrow afternoon”, said Alfred anxiously. “The Hafi family is finally going to be reunited.”

Malcolm rolled his eyes and continued playing on his PSP, while occupying the bigger half of the back seat. Being a sixteen-year-old on a family...