Short Stories + Contest Entries

The City Of Os

A fiction story written for my creative writing class. This week's topic was voice. I hope you enjoy this fun little tale!

I never was one to willingly eat anything green on my plate, because I for one am not a masochist. I don't torture myself for fun. I only decide to eat a slimy green thing when my mother scolds me from across the table, that's when I know I've been caught. It was an ongoing argument during almost every dinner gathering, but as I got older I learned to suck it up and be grateful for even having food to eat. Still, my dismay for vegetables or anything flakey (like rosemary) remains. I'm a picky, unhealthy, junk food eater. It's in my DNA.

Some people obsess over nicotine, some crave alcohol, but others find solace in sugary snacks and sweet treats. I am definitely one of those people, and for a brief period in my life, (whether it be the lack of concern from my mother or the lack of care to parent me during those times) There was one snack that I died for, and that was Oreo's. How I started to fawn over them was quite ordinary, but came with serious side effects.

My adolescence probably didn't help me during these stressful times. Pimples peaked on my face like Mount Everest, waving hi with red smiles to whoever would take notice. My eyebrows were in definite need of being shaped, my height was much too small (and still is), and I craved everything. But I know I can't blame my raging hormones for it all. One Sunday afternoon changed my life.

As I strolled aimlessly down aisles with my mother at a packed grocery store, I heard a murmur coming from the end of the row. As my glance wandered down the many options of cookies, the sound intensified. Suddenly the screams hollered so loud and I snapped my neck around to see a pack of Oreo's calling to me. I couldn't move another inch before I was being bombarded with pleads and cries to buy them, and I just couldn't say no! I gave my mother a convincing puppy dog look, and she caved (which happened more and more as I got older, not that I'm complaining, but my puppy dog eyes were a lot cuter when I was smaller and less moody). We all shouted with glee.

I munched on a few before dinner because I couldn't stop myself, (no one noticed). That night I barely touched my dinner plate, the whispers from the kitchen moaned on. Then around eight at night, I snuck the whole pack in my room and stuffed my face while watching Spongebob. It was a city of yummy treats! The smooth cream center and the crunchy chocolate cookie were irresistible! Each cookie had a name, a passion, a pitch, and a personality, but I loved them all, even the broken ones.

After three episodes and nonstop munching, the Oreo sleeves were a ghost town and my stomach was compacted with a city full of Oreo people. My tummy stirred and twitched the rest of the evening. I begged for it to go away! I tried everything a kid would do when an issue presented itself; I drank water, I laid down and I even counted to one-hundred three times. It was no use. My stomach was angry!

Slouched in defeat, I was on the verge of tears from the discomfort when warmth suddenly flooded my mouth. It was a warning sign, a sensation I knew too well. My tummy churned in aggravation and I ran as fast as I could to the bathroom. In no time, there they were, the city of Oreo's tumbling down the toilet, off to another adventure. Some wooed, some screamed, and others grew nauseous spinning around in the bowl. I parted ways with the city, mixed feelings greeted me after, but the most prominent feeling was release.

The next morning my mother announces the disappearance of the cookies. No one knew about the tragedy, not even aware we had the Oreo's in the first place. Knowing I practically begged for them on my hands and knees, my mother turn to me in question.

"What did you do with them?" Her left brow raised, and her arms folded around her.

I swallowed twice and thought of my answer carefully. "The city of Os is no more. May their souls rest in peace."

Word of the wise, try not to overstuff yourself, or else it'll make a reappearance!