To Swallow or Not To Swallow
by
Sheila Maurer
Jennifer was going to be twelve and she looked forward to her birthday. Luckily it fell on a Saturday so there was no school and she was able to enjoy her presents before going to a birthday tea which her mother had arranged. It was to be held in the home of a great friend who happened to be a marvellous cook. The family held back at lunch to have room for the feast to come.
Jennifer lived in a small village. As it was a fine day, the birthday party decided that a walk to their hostess's house would be a good idea, would give them an appetite, and they would be ready for the birthday spread.
It was truly a wonderful display of goodies: tasty sandwiches, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and, the crowning glory, a large white-icing-covered cake lit up with twelve candles, and Jennifer's name marked out with silver balls and pink icing.
"I hope you've left room for some cake," said their hostess as she handed Jennifer a knife. "I must say it does look appetizing. I hope it's as good as it looks. Cut yourself a good, big slice, birthday girl."
Jennifer manoeuvred a large triangular slab onto her plate. She loved sweet things and dug her fork into the icing, already savoring the taste which was to come.
With all eyes upon her she thrust the tempting morsel into her mouth. As her taste buds responded, she suddenly froze, unable to close her lips. Her face grew redder and redder. "How could she get rid of this awful, cloying, sour mouthful? To swallow was impossible; to spit it out, rude; to speak, out of the question.
"What on earth's the matter?" asked her mother. Everyone stared at her and her agony increased. Her hostess spooned a bit of icing into her mouth and gasped, "Oh! My goodness! Spit it out, Jennifer! I'll get you a glass of water. I've used baking soda instead of icing sugar," she explained to her bewildered guests. She made for the kitchen.
Thankfully Jennifer got rid of the awful sour lump and covered her scarlet face with her napkin. How is one supposed to behave in such a situation? Swallow? or...?
