Childress, TX
Fall, 1966
Jack trailed behind Lureen as she pushed the grocery cart down the aisle. He hated going to the grocery store but he figured that as a new husband, this was one of the things he was supposed to do. Besides, she was six months pregnant and it was probably a good idea for him to help with lifting and carrying the grocery bags.
“What kind of jam do you like, Jack? Strawberry or raspberry?”
He shrugged. “Anything’s fine, honey. I don’t really notice, I just like something sweet on my toast.”
“Peanut butter? Skippy or Jif?”
“What’s wrong with the store brand?” he said, picking up the IGA jar. “That’s what my momma always bought. We couldn’t afford the fancy stuff.”
“Oh Jack,” she said, frowning. “There is such a big difference between the real brands and the grocery store brand! My momma only bought Skippy, so I’ll do the same.”
They continued down the aisle, Lureen pausing to put a can of Bush’s beans in the cart.
“No, don’t buy those…buy these instead,” said Jack, as he handed her a can of Bettermost beans.
“No, not these. I hate Bettermost! They are all mushy and too sweet.”
“They’re my favorite.”
Lureen grimaced. “They’re cheap and nasty, Jack. We can afford decent beans. My momma always bought Bush’s.”
Jack shrugged. “Fine. Whatever.”
(222 words)