Kin
A Short Short Story About Unconventional Family
Hi, how’s your life going these days? Mine’s been chaotic to say the least, so here’s another short story I wrote several months ago, this one inspired by a prompt in my monthly writing group. It’s cute and fluffy, so I hope it sheds some smidges of light on your day.
Bonus Points: the prompt was “a word used to describe multiples of a thing.” I took this loosely, but any guesses as to what thing or words inspired the story? Hint: it’s not the title.
Kin
The kids approached, yawning. All of them. I was astonished at their synchronicity.
Dirt rose into a cloudy mist behind their padding feet just as the sun sunk below our horizon. I call it our horizon because no one else can see it quite the way we do all the way out here. All these miles from town.
I surmised they’d come for dinner, noses curiously sniffing the breeze that held the spices coming from the kitchen. They’ll have to wait. Hay needed raking, zucchini’s needed harvesting, I needed water.
But the tribe was feisty. Stomping feet, demanding nourishment. It was as if the three of them colluded, knowing our evening routine, rebelling against our normal rhythm.
Dad had just turned the key in the ignition, our quaint homestead suddenly quiet. Hopping off the humble tractor, they all ran to him like a galloping herd, mouths open wide with joy. He bent down the way he always does, patting their heads until they each received the hug only a man like him would give. The exact thing that made my heart dance all those decades ago.
As I approached, I couldn’t help smiling as they wagged their tails while he scratched each one just behind the ear. My kin, I felt deep in my gut like butterflies while the words rooted in my mind. Mine, smiling into his eyes.
Okay, I mumbled mostly to myself before addressing the flock, “Goats, are ya ready for dinner?”
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MEET ME IN THE COMMENTS!
Who are the unconventional members of your family? Does the word “kin” have special meaning in your life?
Bonus Points: be sure to leave a comment if you have any guesses as to the thing or words I used to write the story! (P.S. Bonus Points come in the form of your own personal bragging rights and my joy at you committing to the cause 🙂.)
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