The Hot

Photo by: Susan Spaulding

Estella built her restaurant out of pilings, sticks, and assorted debris she found discarded near the shore. She began selling her pork tamales and soon gained a reputation. People from all over Mexico traveled to try them. When touristas entered the tiny space to eat, she insisted they eat with milk. Often, she called the hospital in advance.

Alien assassin, Torbyld Kin, entered the ramshackle hut on a mission. Like others of his race, he looked perfectly human. His people hated humans and believed themselves superior. Unfortunately, after losing three interstellar wars to humans, their hate grew worse. Thus, Torbyld was sent back 300 years to kill Gerrold Hardy, inventor of the human FTL drive.

Torbyld entered, expecting to find Hardy on vacation from grad school, but was mere hours early. With nothing to do, he ordered tamales.

“You Americano?” said Estella.

“No. Why?”

“Americanos catch fire too easy.”

“You exaggerate.”

“Maybe. You want mild, medium, or hot? I give mild to Americanos and babies. Hot only for Mexicans.”

“I’m not American! Gimme the hot.”

Five minutes later, Estella set down the fire extinguisher. She called the hospital.

“Estupido American ate the hot…what?… No stretcher. Bring an ashtray.”
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Written for Sunday Photo Fiction: https://sundayphotofictioner.wordpress.com/2018/06/23/sunday-photo-fiction-june-23-2018/