Presented by SHANNON MUIR’S INFINITE HOUSE OF BOOKS
SPONTANEOUS CHOICES SHORTS features short serialized fiction by author Shannon Muir, that may be later released as part of e-book or print collections. This summer runs a special event from August 12th through the end of the month on Mondays through Thursdays called “End of Summer”. This is part 5.
Keep an eye out for a full week of ANIMATED INSIGHTS the first week of September!
Summer found Mr. Pratt where she always knew he would be on a weekday evening, checking over the produce to see if anything needed to be removed from the shelves due to spoilage.
“Hello, Mr. Pratt. Can I ask you some questions? It’s for a history project.”
Mr. Pratt adjusted his glasses, drawing Summer’s attention to his kindly eyes. Summer hoped he’d be every bit as kind in answering her questions.
“I can do my best. Why me?”
Summer took a small notebook and pen out of her backpack.
“You’ve been here in town as long as I can remember, so I figure you know a lot about its history. I’ve also heard your family has been here for generations. I need to know if any significant events happened the year I was born, and th thought maybe you might know something.”
Summer figured it might be rude to push straight for information about her and her background. She wanted to ease into it slow. Also, if Mr. Pratt didn’t know anything specific, it would at least give her a flavor of the time period.
Mr. Pratt didn’t immediately give a response. It started to make Summer nervous.
“I’m not sure if I am the best one to answer this,” he finally admitted.
“Why?” Summer asked, trying not to be pushy but not wanting to turn away a good lead.
“There are people who know even more than I do. They could give you better information.”
“If you mean the fire chief, I have no interest talking to her.”
Mr. Pratt sighed.
“If you trust me, let me tell you this. She is the one you need to talk to. She knows more than any of us.”
Summer tossed her stuff into the backpack.
“No! I refuse to talk to her.”
And then she ran.