Miscellanea from the Lost Quarter and beyond.

Senior’s Discount

They pulled up to the fruit stand on the side of the road, a slight woman emerging from the shade of the awning to greet them as they stepped out of the van to stretch. The stand was overflowing with everything the countryside had to offer: mangosteen, lanzones, pineapple, mango, several varieties of banana, eggplant, avocado, kalamansi, jack fruit. Samples were asked for and provided.  

Try a mangosteen. Squeeze it until its purple shell cracks open releasing the white fruit within. It’s the same approach with the tiny lanzone. A knife is procured from somewhere and an avocado is sliced and proffered. Try this. Creamier than any you’ve ever had. The short and stubby bananas have a good flavor. Not too sweet. 

Serious negotiations ensue. Prices are offered and scorned. Counter-proposals are received with wide expressions of disbelief and pursed lips. Counter-counter-proposals incur further outrage and sorrowful shaking of heads. More samples are requested. Have you ever had fresh jack fruit? Gradually white plastic bags begin to fill with fruit as terms are arrived at, though no one appears happy about the fact. The driver emerges from his van to claim some sliced jack fruit, his commission for bringing customers to the stand.  

What about a senior’s discount, comes the suggestion, innocently offered as the final price is tallied and quoted. You look so young, she says earnestly. I couldn’t possibly. As though doing so would be grievous insult.  

With that, matters are finally settled and they return to the van, now perfumed with the smell of fresh fruit.