Candy’s small kitchen sits outside the CityDomes. Her rare chocolates conjure hidden queues of children every morning. They grin as she hands each their single piece then hurries them on.
A commotion draws Candy’s attention to the front. The kids quieten. She retreats.
A man’s tossing shelves in the dark. He looks weak, but her overlay reveals otherwise.
She’s got strength mods too, except, hers are hidden better.
He spots her and grins.
She brings him down quick, arm tight around his throat, his arm twisted behind. He struggles, then falls silent.
Candy returns soon after, smiling, “who’s next?”
© 2021 Rebecca Glaessner
October 28: Flash Fiction Challenge « Carrot Ranch
In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that features a candy kitchen. You can interpret the phrase creatively or stick to the traditional. Is it sweet? Ironic? Any genre will do. Go where the prompt leads!
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Rebecca Glaessner Author 
Note to self: stand patiently in line and ask politely for a piece of Candy’s candy.
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Yes, please! I’ll be there too. I’ll let you know when her shop’s up and running. 😉
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Candy has some hidden talents. First I thought the candy was tainted… but then after reading I decided that she was just giving. And the guy trying to stop her got karma candy?
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I agree, he sure did. I didn’t think the candy would be seen as tainted however, which parts of the piece inspired that idea?
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Just modern traditions of parents having to search through their children’s haul – due to some nasty folks (perhaps just a few – maybe even urban myths about home goods being poison, or store bought filled with nasty stuff… purposfully to do harm).
When I was younger there was no cerfew or age limits. Our area has ‘treat’ collecting limited from 6p – 8p for only children perhaps up to age 12. And all groups are recommend to have at least one adult to accompany them. And if a home doesn’t have a porch light on; it is because they are not participating – so don’t knock on the door!
That ‘myth’ of tampered candy started in the 1970’s. And unfortunately because of the possiblity… fear evolved and grew and changes to the rules of the game were made.
And then there is the tale of Hansel and Gretal and the candy house. …
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I can see how you got that sense from the first few sentences. Rare chocolates, hidden queues, children.
I’m grateful our area has mostly free roaming kids for the holiday. Little ones go with big kiddos, and we have the same unspoken “lights off, don’t knock” rule too. Outside of that evening, I see kids roaming the streets often regardless, but all with good intentions. Hopefully we can buy a home where we are, the more cost friendly suburbs are less child friendly. I remember riding my bike around the streets until it got dark too. Those were fun times, but I also got the feeling we just weren’t wanted in the house.
Personally, our kids play in the front yard while I’m inside, they’re wary of strangers and cars, and stick together. They’re good kids, and it’s good for their confidence. But I understand the fears.
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Helicopter parenting can be a bit too much. Schedualling every second. There has to be some time to learn life lessons.
I remember being shoved out of the house to play… especially in summer when I thought it was too hot.
I’ve lived in the city as well as the suburbs – just different vibes until you get to know your neighbors, or street vendors, shop owners… But yes today is different filled with more caution. But there has to be a balance as to not be fearful to help someone in true need.
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What a sweet, generous BadAss! Love her.
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Yes! She really is. Glad you enjoyed this as-yet brief appearance of hers.
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Candy has hidden talents. Children know a good one when they find one.
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They sure do. Thanks Norah!
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Candy’s got more cooking in her kitchen than meets the eye! Of course, the splendid sci-fi technology reveals what is hidden. This is a fascinating story. I hope we see more of Candy.
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Thanks Charli, I do too. She’s one of the most vivid character’s I’ve written, and she just appeared.
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