The Grumpy Pumpkin

For this year’s #fallwritingfrenzy, I chose this picture: 🎃 to inspire a story. I saw all of the lumpy, bumpy pumpkins and immediately pictured a grumpy pumpkin in a patch who never gets picked (and that’s how he likes it). I thought it would be even more fun for him to have to sit next to a pumpkin who was the complete opposite of him—one who loved playing his role as a pumpkin in the fall. With a 200 word limit, it’s a wonderful stretching of the writing muscles! I hope you enjoy!

I’m so thankful for contests like this to exist. They’re free and sparks so much creativity for unagented writers. Also—the prizes from generous donors are amazing!!

Behold, THE GRUMPY PUMPKIN!

The Grumpy Pumpkin
by Jennifer Kim

“Ooh, here they come!”

“UGH. Here they come.”

Eddie and Hank were two very different pumpkins that grew up next to each other in the pumpkin patch.

Eddie dreamed of sitting on someone’s porch, watching swarms of kids walk by shouting, “Trick or Treat!” Hank dreamed of being left alone so he could sleep in peace.

Eddie loved being picked up and admired by every customer. Hank hated how people were always throwing him back down.

Eddie heard things like, “Look how round this one is!” Hank heard things like, “Why is it so bumpy??”

 Hank was happy he hadn’t been picked yet. He never wanted to leave the patch.

But when he saw a little girl eyeing him, he became VERY uneasy. He dug himself a little further down into the mud, trying to disappear.

To Hank’s relief, she bent down and picked up Eddie instead.

“He’s perfect!” she exclaimed.

About to burst with excitement, Eddie winked at Hank and whispered, “Goodbye, dear friend!”

“Better you than me!” scoffed Hank, stretching himself out.

As Eddie headed off to his new home, he looked back and could’ve sworn he saw Hank smiling.