Mum

Written for https://melissalemay.wordpress.com/2024/12/16/melissas-fandango-flash-fiction-challenge-299/

He didn’t expect to have an elephant interrupt his call to his mum.

A leather container wrapped around his waist, he held his palm over the red handle. With his free hand, he dived into his trouser pocket and found a fifty pence piece. Squashed into the corner, he swallowed down his bile.

Moving his arm, he managed to slide the coin into the slot.

‘Mum, can’t talk there’s an elephant in the booth.’

‘What’s that? You can’t speak because of a bad tooth.’

He pressed the trunk, attempting another conversation.

‘No Mum, there’s an elephant!’

‘An ant, it’s the middle of winter?’

Beep, beep, beep.

The pips signalled the ending of the call

Snaking towards his coat; he remembered the snack he brought for the train journey home. A packet of peanuts seemed a good idea as his sugar levels were low. His hand sunk into his pocket one more time. Carefully, he lifted the packet free.

‘Back,’ he said.

It wasn’t a dog; most animals in the circus were expertly trained.

As the last of its trunk slunk out of view, he crept onto the grass verge. it was just like feeding the goats at Odds Farm. He held the unexpected treat for his companion and he sucked the shells free.

The last few peanuts in his pocket, he turned towards the circus, leading his new friend back to safety.