First Prize Short Story 2003
Fruit Snacks by Leying, China, Age 15

Mama gripped my hand tightly in hers. Her hand was large compared to my five-year old one. It felt dry and calloused from all the menial chores she did when she was a little girl living in a rural part of China. Her long black hair was tied in a simple ponytail and a plain gold band encircled her left ring finger. She wore a shirt with frayed edges, worn from the constant washing and wearing. Her comfortable, loose pants were homemade.

Mama was a great seamstress. We had an old sewing machine at home where Mama would make clothes for my little brother and me. I had a nice little flower dress with white ruffles for special occasions, hanging up in the room I shared with my parents. We walked into the supermarket crowded with people on a Saturday shopping rush. Once a week, Mama brought about fifteen dollars to buy groceries. She only got the basics like rice, bread, meat and vegetables. She rarely bought candy or sweets, but when she did, it was such a delicious treat.

I remember I had once relished a lollipop for a whole month by having only a few licks a day.We walked through the aisles, with Mama picking up only the items on sale. Our cart looked sadly empty next to one cart which was crammed with boxes of food, soda, candy, and chips. I stared longingly at a box of fruit snacks. They had the shape of animals. I imagined playing with them and then eating the sweet things in my mouth.

Mama saw my look and said suddenly, "Since you have been so good, I'll get you a box. But you have to share it with your brother."

I was thrilled. I held the box of fruit snacks tightly in my hands as we walked to the cash register. I reluctantly let go of the box and watched it being scanned and then placed in a grocery bag.

A few minutes passed and I saw Mama holding the bills in her hand. She placed them on the counter and took out coins. She counted them and stared at her little cloth wallet. Then she blushed and looked at me sadly before stammering in English: "I ... I no want --." She pointed to the box of fruit snacks.

I remained silent. I will not cry in front of all these English people, I thought. I will try to be a good little girl.

The cashier was a plump woman with thick glasses. She looked at Mama with the coins in her hand and then looked at me with my crestfallen face. A Chinese mom and her Chinese daughter. And then -- she smiled. "You can have it for your daughter." The woman pointed at the fruit snacks with a smile. "I'll pay for it." She handed me the fruit snacks and winked.

I smiled back shyly.