They Don't Want Chicken

A few months ago, my Grandfather had a stroke and is basically confined to his house. My grandmother has persistent nerve problems and has had several surgeries, meaning many simple, basic household tasks cause her pain. They wish to remain in their house and not be sent to a home, so I've been caring for them despite having only seen them on Christmas the past seven or so years. It was an adjustment for us all, but I felt we were getting past the awkwardness and becoming closer.

This past weekend, I was in the kitchen defrosting chicken when I heard my grandmother calling for me. Her voice wasn't urgent, but I still hurried over to her. She hands me the wall-mounted phone, saying my uncle is on the line. As soon as she finishes telling me that, she exits the room.

"Hey," I say into the phone, "is everything okay?"

There was a beat of silence. My uncle cleared his throat. "They don't want chicken for dinner."

Author's Note

Not in the typical style I write in. I feel I've said this too many times, but this story is mostly just a way of shaking loose the cobwebs.

Reviews

[.]

Quite a quirky story!

It seems to me that despite their ailments Grandpa and Grandma have been taking the poor boy for granted! And poor Uncle has to break the news about their specific dinner requirements.

From reading this one with its offbeat sense of humour, i doubt their are any cobwebs gathered. Very original and witty writing.

[Jacob Clifford]

I appreciate your praise, Doodley. Though I still feel a bit rusty with short stories. I'll have to commit an evening to writing a new one. Thanks as always for reading.

[Jade]

I enjoyed this, it's fun. A delightful read

[Jacob Clifford]

Thanks, Brandie. Glad you enjoyed.

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Lol- it takes all kinds- the more more the cobwebs accumulate the crazier we need to become to remain sane inamongst the insanity- well thought out and written🌹

[Jacob Clifford]

Quite true! The things we do when our minds get foggy. Thanks for reading, Rose.

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

Always a pleasure🌹

[Agyani]

It's a nice, fun story Clifford. I think many people can relate to this, but everyone will smile after reading this! It's always interesting to see how much people can go out of their way to get a point across without confronting anyone. I liked this story. :)

[Jacob Clifford]

Glad you appreciate my little tale. Thanks for reading my writing, and I promise to return the favor soon as I can.

[Agyani]

It's alright. I didn't read and review this story because I want you to read mine! (That was the purpose initially when I just joined the cafe, but I just like the purity and unrestrained character of your writing.)

[Jacob Clifford]

I didn't mean to imply I thought that was the only reason you read this piece. I was just saying I WILL get to it, and look forward to doing so. Thanks for the compliment!

[Agyani]

Oh, haha, don't take it the wrong way. That was just a joke!

[θεά]

Haha, the anticlimactic lines serve the purpose of this crisp and wry piece. Don't beat yourself for writing something out of the box. You write well nonetheless. Cheers.

[Jacob Clifford]

Thanks as always, Mallika. Great to know you enjoyed and better to hear from you again.

[θεά ]

Had been on a hiatus, good to connect with you and your writing again.

[Jacob Clifford]

On a bit of a hiatus myself. Just popping in the Cafe once in a while to give the people their required dosage of animal magnetism.

[θεά ]

Hahahahahaha!

[not your muse]

Unexpected ending! This writing of yours made me laugh a little hard. Thanks for that! :)

[Jacob Clifford]

I'm glad you got some amusement from my little ditty. Thank you for reading!

[Paul Bell]

This is one of those occasions when you phone the uncle back, advising him to phone granny back with the words. It's not chicken, it's goose. Hope they're doing well.

[Jacob Clifford]

I like your idea. Thank you for stopping by and reading, Paul.

[EJ's Horror]

It sounds like someone I lived with a while ago. Is this a vent from a real life experience? I know most of your work is fiction though.

[Jacob Clifford]

This is just a little fictional tale. Fortunately, I've never been in this sort of situation. Thanks for reading, EJH.

[barleygirl]

It took me a minute to understand your ending. But once I did, I laughed wholeheartedly! My family, when we were in touch, would be like that. Only a few cantankerous ones will confront & they do so with too much self-righteousness. All the rest will send their ideas thru some other channel, sheepishly, so as to avoid having to tell someone something that might be unpleasant or unwelcome. Something as simple as saying: I don't want to eat what you all are eating! It can become so convoluted, as nobody would speak forthrightly to anyone else, except for the narcissistic bossy ones who run every show. Anyhow, I believe that these family dynamics are very interesting & excellent fodder for keeping your pen warmed up & ready to go. I love this. I wish you would write more of these. I love your uncluttered & affectionate way of telling such precious vignettes. It's a great lesson that writing doesn't have to be about anything profound . . . everyday life is the most interesting trough! *smile* (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Jacob Clifford]

I agree that day-to-day life has a certain charm to it, and family dealings can be way more complicated and difficult than it needs to be. I wish I would write more like this, too. Hopefully soon I'll have both the time and the inspiration.

[Zoya]

Lol, that's kind of funny. Simple and short, yet possessing a tinge of humour in the perfect proportion. Enjoyed it!

[Jacob Clifford]

Thanks, Zoe! Glad you enjoyed this little ditty.

[Zoya]

Most welcome