I’m in first grade. Just moved from England to Oregon. Never heard of it. Never ate it. Peanut butter and jelly. I’m at David’s house down the street. “Try it,” he said. I opened the slices of bread. It was a slimy mess. Red jelly. It was like uncovering a Band-Aid. “Try it,” he said. I had read Green Eggs & Ham many times. Still, that first bite was difficult. I tried it. I liked it.
Teaching in Hungary. English club after school. Teenage boys. They ate and ate. Nutella, yes. Peanut butter, gross. And jelly? They were reluctant. “Try it.” Some did, some didn’t.
My son eats PB&J. They are a staple. One day, crusts become a problem. I cut them off and put them inside. He eats it, and I feel like a genius, until he opens the slices of bread, and sees the crusts inside. “Try it.”
[150 words]
by Jonathan Ellingson
Jonathan Ellingson lives in Oregon with his wife, kids, and several typewriters. He teaches at Falls City High School. He likes most snacks.
Table Tales - 150 word stories 