Ketchup, Ogres, and Fries

Ketchup, Ogres, and Fries (200 Words)

“So this is where you ended up.”

The waiter looked up from lowering the tray in surprise. He hadn’t recognized the person at the table until now. When he did, the man’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

“What are you doing here, Raz?” he said. “You’re going to get me in trouble.”

The ogre sucked ketchup off her thumb. “No one even sees me,” she said.

It was true. In the lunchtime rush, very few people were stopping to look at the tusked ogre eating a hamburger and fries.

“What are you doing here?” the man repeated.

The ogre stopped eating. She fixed him with her yellow eye. “We need you, Jack,” she said. “Again.”

“I can’t help you.” Jack shook his head. “There’s too much to do here. And Gracie—”

The ogre saw the man’s face tighten. Her voice lowered.

“She’s very sick?”

He nodded.

“I wish I could help,” he said quietly.

“That’s alright,” the ogre finished the rest of the burger in one bite.

Jack looked aside.

“Old Burwhis might have something that will help your little girl.” The ogre drank the ketchup and wiped her lips. “If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.”

***

Written in response to Flash Fiction for the Purposeful Writer‘s prompt. Check it out! Also written in response to the Daily Post’s Daily Prompt, “Grasp.”