Ergo, the Ogre

A large, sprawling oak tree with thick branches covered in green moss, surrounded by lush greenery in a natural setting.

“This menu is amazing…” Shelley feigned enthusiasm.
“Get whatever you want,” Eddie shrugged. “Looks like you could use a good meal.”
“Oh, I can’t decide…”
Eddie wished she’d leave her hair alone. It looked like she was trying to strangle her fingertips with it. “Why are you doing that?”
“Huh?” Shelley let go of her hair. “Oh, bad habit.” Her throat tightened.
The waitress brought a steaming loaf of bread to their table and began rattling off the pasta specials.
That’s what did it.
Shelley stifled a scream and scrambled for the door—

Phagophobia: a legacy from her mother.

 

SusanWritesPrecise/Susan Marie Shuman
pinterest.com
Tags: , ,
Categories:
Ergo, the Ogre's avatar

Published by

Ergo, the Ogre

Susan Marie Shuman is an author and freelance writer/editor who currently resides in the wilds of Birmingham, AL. She shares her life with two spoiled cats, several friends (not all of them imaginary) and one husband. When she’s not working, Susan enjoys horseback riding, reading, taking her cats for a spin in their pet stroller, and taking naps. An ex-bartender, recovering crash test dummy, and all-around late bloomer, Susan graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2004 with a BA in English. She minored in Russian. Long-range goals include visiting Israel, the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein. Susan is also planning to launch a micronation which would be called either Suzannistan or Eastern Suzanorovia.

5 responses to “Fettuccine Afraid-O”

  1. Norah Avatar
    Norah

    A great response (Not Shelley’s, yours. :))

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you, Norah!

      Reply
  2. Dishing Up Pasta « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

    […] Fettuccini Afraid-O by Susan Shuman […]

    Reply
  3. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    Lots of people do that with their hair don’t they? This was a good response Susan. And I learned a new ‘phobia’ word.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you, Michael! Yes, lots of people twirl their hair. I was trying to underscore Shelley’s anxiety.

      Reply

Whatcha think?