It was not that Sam didn't appreciate his mom cooking a nutritious meal.  He was just unprepared.
 
For weeks his major diversionary fantasy had been about this last meal.  How many hours had he spent comparing the relative deliciousness of exquisite “Filet Mignon with Béarnaise and Baked Potato,” against the exotic flavor of “Thai Green Curry,” against the comfort of “Hamburger and French Fries?”  Then there was the question of preparation. For each potential meal, which restaurant or individual, based on culinary memory, should be entrusted with the honor of preparation?

He had postponed his final decision until last Thursday, when this week’s menu was set. The friendliest of the guards had investigated.  It would be “Creamed Tuna on Toast,” so he decided on “Thai Green Curry” and began to prepare himself.  “The soggy toast will be the steaming rice, the creamed tuna will be the delicious curry and the apple juice will be a brilliant Gewürztraminer.” 

Mom!  His mind jumbled.  Security!  How had she finagled this?  She must have stayed nearby (with a kitchen!) after their final visit yesterday.  It was his childhood favorite: “Salmon Patties with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans.”  He was just unprepared.

© 2007 Trish Morman. Original for CCF (Morman grants CCF first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology).