Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: ZEST (10/01/15)
-
TITLE: A Seasoning for Every Purpose Under Heaven | Previous Challenge Entry
By Amy Gaudette
10/07/15 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
The children hardly played, mostly just sat around with a dull look on their faces.
Each adult he encountered would look at him with repulsion or utter disinterest. He tried to engage them in conversation, but to no avail. Mr. Ziggy had always been able to sell something, but this place was, well, pathetic. He wanted to pack his bags and move on, but something made him try again. One more time, he approached a group of woman drawing water from a well.
“Ladies, I have something simply wonderful that will make life perk up for you like you could never have imagined. It's one of my best sellers just west of here. Perhaps you would like a free sample? I guarantee you will love it!” Mr. Ziggy gave his biggest, most charming smile.
One of the ladies, wearing a gray cloak and looking old spoke. “You're wasting your time here, mister. We like things the way they are. We aren't needing any adventures into the unknown. Best you be moving on before harm comes your way.”
Mr. Ziggy realized not only did this woman look old, they all did, even the children. Oh, how he wanted to help these people. Give them something that could make a difference in their lives. He let out a big sigh and hoisted his pack on his shoulders. Time to move on, he sighed. It's getting dark and I don't think I want to be caught in this town at night.
Mr. Ziggy turned and began walking out of Apathetica. He began to feel very uneasy. Dusk seemed to hold something heavy and cold. He picked up his steps.
“Psst. Mister, wait.” Footsteps quickly caught up to him. “Give me a free sample and say nothing about this to anyone.”
He could not see the face, as it was hidden behind a hooded cloak. “Yes, of course. Here you go.” He quickly dug in his pack and pulled out a small brown bottle. Before he could tell the person how to use it, they were gone.
“Strange. Very strange,” he said to himself. “I guess I'll camp on the outskirts of town tonight, and check back in tomorrow, just in case I'm needed.”
The next morning Mr. Ziggy was awakened by shouts and hollering. His heart was racing as he quickly got up, wondering if the town had come to do him in.
He couldn't believe his eyes. The sun shone bright and clear. Smiles covered the faces of those who had come to see him. Gone were the drab dark cloaks, and in their places were colors of all kinds. Two children ran to him, laughing.
“Please sir, we need some more of your secret ingredient. We're going to bring it to school today.”
Mr. Ziggy was astounded. What had happened? Just then, the old lady from the well came to him. She had a bounce in her step and a zip in her eyes.
“Thank you, sir, thank you. You have given us something we had lost a long time ago due to us just giving up on life. Can you smell the air? It is filled now with spice and pungency. Our hearts have zing, and wait till you try my sizzling hot sausage this morning. Come now, you can't leave yet.”
Mr. Ziggy was speechless. He had a crowd around him, escorting him back to the village for an early morning breakfast. Voices of life filled the air. It was as though he was not even in the same town. He handed out more little brown bottles as they went along.
“What. . .happened?” he finally asked.
The old woman answered with a spark in her eye. She giggled. “I opened that little bottle, and took a sip. WOW! What a tang, kick, zip! I figured out what was in it. So, I sprinkled some in my food, on my heart, in my garden. . . you get the idea? After that, everyone wanted some.”
Mr. Ziggy dabbed his eyes.
“Thank you sir. You have truly given us a seasoning for every purpose under heaven.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
God Bless