Apricots, Again?

Sweat formed across Meredith's plump face as she stood in busy street directing traffic to stop for the oncoming children. This sweltering heat felt torturous against her thick reflective vest. Oh, how she wished to be anywhere but here. She could be lounging at the pool or watching her newest soap operas. But no. The judge sentenced her to 100 hours of community service for her "peaceful protest" due to the local bank not permitting loans to those of different ethnic backgrounds. At least it started out peaceful, but nothing got her fired up more than discrimination. One thing led to another, and Meredith was being arrested.

While suffering in the heat, Meredith wished she would've chosen some other form of community service, but this was the only option. Of course, there was dog walking, yard work, and construction. But she was now the ripe age of sixty-five, and her body couldn't take the strain it used to. She rationalized that becoming a crossing guard would be best. All she had to do was stand there, but she didn't account for the scorching weather.

"I don't think I can do this much longer," she muttered as she wiped another layer of sweat off of her face. Glancing around, Meredith noticed the lack of children coming this way. Knowing she had thirty minutes until the next school dismissed, she hastily made her way across the street to the Up-Town Art Auction. She thrust open the glass doors submersing herself in the chilling A.C. Stepping inside, she closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh of content.

Meredith's relaxation quickly vaporized as she felt something tugging on her vest. Looking down, she saw red hair, a toothy grin, and bright green eyes. A girl no more than eight stared back at her.

"Hello, Missus. My name's April Cotton," the little girl grinned.

"What do you want, kid?" Meredith usually wasn't this rude, but children seemed to always test her patience. Her late husband used to say how pigs would fly before she became motherly.

"Umm, well I'm tryin' to raise money. Mama said to find nice, old- I mean, elderly people to sell to," she explained. April lifted a basket covered with a towel.

"I don't have time, kid," she started, but April's sad eyes stirred some compassion in her heart. "Okay, let me see what you got." The girl moved the towel to reveal a basket full of fresh apricots.

"Mama said it's silly, but if you put parts of my first and last names together you get apricot." She smiled shyly. Meredith felt her lips tug upwards.

"I happen to think it's amazing." Suddenly, a lady resembling the child rushed over.

"Apricots, again? I told you it's silly, dear." She fussed, dragging the child away. As they faded from view, Meredith's partial smile turned into a full-blown grin.

"Well," she spoke to herself, "I guess pigs are flying today."