TNN ONESHOTS

Meal deals - C & E & L

Eric, Carly, and Lydia had just wrapped up for lunch after another long morning at the nursery. The clock struck twelve, and the trio were eager to escape the confines of their rooms. As they gathered their belongings, Carly suggested they head to Sainsbury's to grab a meal deal. "I could really go for a sandwich and some crisps," she said, her eyes lighting up at the thought. Eric and Lydia nodded in agreement, their stomachs rumbling in anticipation.

Stepping outside, they were greeted by the crisp autumn air. While the sun was casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of Emborough, the wind was bitter. As they walked, the conversation flowed easily. Eric joked about the ridiculous meeting he had overheard between Marjorie and Mandy, while Lydia chimed in with her own witty remarks about the parent, making Carly laugh until her sides hurt.

The familiar path to Sainsbury's felt comforting, lined with shops and the occasional street performer.

Upon arriving at Sainsbury's, they quickly made their way to the meal deal section. The options were plentiful, and they each picked their favorites. Eric opted for a classic chicken sandwich, Lydia chose a vibrant vegetarian wrap, and Carly went for a tuna salad. With their drinks and snacks in hand, they headed to the checkout, feeling satisfied with their choices.

They had been discussing their lunch plans all week, and today was the day they hoped Carly would step out of her comfort zone. Knowing about her struggles with an eating disorder, they had been nothing but  supportive friends, encouraging her to try new things and embrace a healthier relationship with food.

Lydia’s eyes widened in anticipation as she watched Carly pay for her lunch. “What did you order?” she asked, her heart racing with hope. Carly took a deep breath and smiled. “I went for tuna salad.”

Eric beamed at her. “That sounds amazing! I’m so proud of you for trying that!” He knew how hard it could be for Carly to make choices that felt safe and nourishing. Lydia nodded in agreement, her smile wide. “You’re really inspiring, Carly. This is a big step!”

As they dug into their meals, Carly felt a wave of warmth wash over her. The food was delicious, and she found herself savoring each bite. Lydia and Eric chatted animatedly, sharing stories and laughter, but Carly was also lost in her thoughts. She realized that this moment was about more than just lunch; it was about growth, friendship, and the support that surrounded her.

Thoughts of how much everyone helped her over the year with Reece eating lunch with her everyday, Charlotte taking her to the cinema for popcorn and everyone checking in the second they noticed a change. She felt so loved by people she got to spend everyday with.

After finishing their meals, Lydia leaned across the table. “Let’s celebrate this! How about we grab some dessert?” Carly hesitated for a moment but then nodded slightly, feeling empowered by her earlier choice. They went back into Sainsbury's and brought some cake. The three shared a slice of chocolate cake, and as they laughed together, Carly felt a sense of pride swell within her. She knew that she was not alone in her journey, and with friends like Lydia and Eric by her side, she knew she could continue to embrace new experiences, one meal at a time.

The three sat savoring both the food and the the time they had together. It was times like this that made even the busiest of workdays worthwhile.

It wasnt long before Carly, Eric, and Lydia strolled back to work after lunch. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting playful shadows on the pavement as they chatted about their meals.

As they walked, the conversation shifted to their upcoming projects at work because of OFSTED looming over them. Carly was excited about the creative ideas they had brainstormed as she was put in charge of changing the wall displays, while Eric expressed some concerns about meeting the deadline of all the different jobs hes been given. Lydia, always the optimist, chimed in with encouragement, reminding them that teamwork would help them pull it off.

Suddenly, they spotted a small art installation in the park they were passing. It was a colorful mural that depicted the city’s history. Intrigued, they decided to take a quick detour to admire the artwork. They stood in awe, discussing the intricate details and the stories behind each section of the mural.

After a few minutes of appreciating the art, they realized they were running late. Laughing, they hurried back to the nursery, their spirits lifted by the unexpected adventure. The walk back was filled with light-hearted jokes and plans for their next lunch outing, reinforcing the bond they shared as colleagues and friends. As they approached the knight nursery, Carly felt grateful for the little moments that made their workdays brighter.