A few months ago, the group had a good time writing to the prompt of “Stolen Kisses.” This short fiction piece from Lori Hudson made everyone smile.

“Get out of my office!” I screeched at Betty Westhouse, who jumped, tossed a message on my desk and scurried toward the door.

She cast me a wary glance as she edged by, and I glared at her. Did she have something in her hands? No, she was clean.

I went to my desk and surveyed by belongings. Everything in place.

Then a noise made me turn and look behind me. There was Joe Benny, a terrified look on his thin face.

“What are you doing?” I bellowed.

“Um – emptying the trash?” answered Joe, holding up a black plastic bag.

“Hiding while you do it?” I snapped.

“Well, no,” he stammered. “I was in the…” He gestured over his shoulder at the broom closet.

I gritted my teeth.

“Everybody out! Out, out, out! This is not a public gathering place!”

Joe dropped the bag and ran.

Quiet at least. And alone at last? I looked around. Yes – alone. I sighed and sat down, gazing at the little china chest by the blotter.

Then I slid it toward me, my hands trembling. Reverently, I took off the lid, reached inside, and pulled out a beautiful, beautiful Hershey’s kiss. I unwrapped it and set the chocolate on my tongue – so sweet, so smooth.

What if they had been stolen? It was a prospect too terrifying to contemplate.

©2014 Lori Hudson

Chocolate, Fiction