Fiction under 250 words.
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“Mom. Seriously. I know. Leave me alone, already.”
“I’m just sayin’, Shawna, the test is in two weeks. Have you studied at all?”
“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it.”
“I just want you to be prepared. I know you can do well, it’s just … I haven’t seen you study. And this test cost money. I mean, you can take it again, but … it costs money.”
Shawna sighed and resisted the urge to roll her eyes. That would only induce yet another lecture and she wasn’t in the mood to soothe her mother’s insecurities. She turned to pour herself a cup of coffee.
“How much coffee have you had today? You know they say that too much caffeine will stunt your growth. Do you always want to be one of the shortest girls in your class?”
Shawna bit back a nasty retort. Her mother was only 5’1. Apparently, shortness ran in their family. She tipped the sugar container over her coffee and absently watched the granules slide into the muddy depths. Her mother meant well, but the nagging was going to make her mental. Without another word, she went into her room, and closed the door behind her with a decisive click. She put the mug down and flopped onto her bed with relief.
“Study!” her mom yelled through the door. “Two weeks is not a lot of time, you know. Test day will …”
Shawna pulled the pillow over her head. Her mother’s voice mercifully faded away.
Write From Karen 