PHOTO PROMPT © Lisa Fox

It’s Always Christmas

Vacationing in Mexico, I enter an American-style cafe to escape the heat and get a good old-fashioned hamburger. Cool air soothes my sunburn as la antifriona walks me to a cozy nook in the back. I study the décor while waiting for el mesero. Although July, it’s Christmas here, with baubles and bows – and typewriters.

“Senora, may I get you a drink?” el camarero asks.

“Strawberry Margarita, please.”

He returns with the biggest Margarita ever.

“What’s with your holiday decorations?”

“An ex-pat writing group used to meet here every Saturday. Senora Atwood’s first novel was published on Christmas Day, 1969.”

[100 words]

Notes:
a) Spanish words: 1)la antifriona (the hostess); 2) el mesero (the waiter); 3) el camarero (the waiter; 4) Senora (form of polite address for a woman)
b) Margaret Atwood is not an ex-pat in Mexico; her first book was published in 1969 but not on Christmas Day
c) I dedicate the story to Judy Dykstra-Brown, who is an ex-pat living in Mexico and who gathers with her writing group there.
d) I didn’t have enough words, but I imagine the MC looks over and sees a photo of Senora Atwood with her writing group on the wall.

Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.  Thanks for choosing my pic this week, Rochelle!