Winner
Shortlisted, Reflex Fiction, 2021
Arnold set about growing the marrow roughly this time last year, when he lost out to Mr Poncho in the courgette competition. The marrow is now extremely heavy and thrice the width of his left leg. Brunswick green, with pleasing yellow spots - not dissimilar to the skin of a poisonous frog. Every night for the last 324 consecutive days, Arnold had sung ‘Sweet Child of Mine’ to it in the greenhouse, which had totally scuppered the annual trip to Torquay. Vivian was livid and made the same punishment tea for a fortnight - boil in the bag cod with parsley sauce, but on the 15th day she’d made a lasagne and held Arnold’s hand during University Challenge.
When competition day came, Arnold’s Nissan Micra wouldn’t start so he walked the marrow round to Ted’s in a wheelbarrow. They hadn’t spoken since The Boot Room Incident so conversation was somewhat stilted. Ted’s breath smelt of Pernod and Arnold had trodden in something unpleasant. Arnold asked about Margery. Ted said she was fine. They arrived at the garden centre with 7 minutes to spare. The car park was empty. Arnold got his marrow out of the boot with some difficulty. Ted drove off while Arnold read the poster advertising yesterday’s competition.
The sky began to spit.