The Mushroom Hunt

As always, I am thrilled to participate in another writing contest!

Spring Fling is a wonderful opportunity hosted by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Ciara O'Neal for new and veteran writers to craft a brief spring-themed story based on a GIF.

In previous contests, I've opted for mostly light-hearted, fun stories.

But this time, a very personal story spilled out.

The Mushroom Hunt is a tribute to my very-much-loved twin sister that acts as a snapshot to a treasured childhood tradition.

It is emotional. It is heartfelt. And it is totally out of my comfort zone!

So, without further ado, here is my entry:

GIF Source: https://giphy.com/gifs/pipercreations-mushroom-nature-bokeh-cometmoth-greenery-beautiful-serenity-art-tymgJiFr2czhJA8AUm

THE MUSHROOM HUNT

by Ashlee Hashman

"What is it worth?" I ask as we crouch to examine our find. My heart mirrors the fluttering butterflies.

"Everything," you say as you cut the stem from the loamy earth.

"But, B, it's only a mushroom."

You smile and we climb over the fallen trees through the dim green light of the forest. Sisters with an eternal spark of adventure.

We cook and eat the delicacy. And I wonder again what's so valuable about a mushroom.

Every spring we journey back to the meadow Dad found years ago to hunt for the elusive toadstools.

But now our children scurry behind. Identical cousins with identical mothers, and an identical sense of wonder.

"I found one!" you shout. The familiar childhood exhilaration floods me and spills over to our children.

And in my spirit I realize it was never really about the mushrooms.