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- - - - - - - 

"Vintage"
copyright June 2002 
by Souvie

(A flash story in 210 words.)

"Mama, how do you know when the grapes are ready to harvest?"

"That is a question you should save for your grandpa. He
decides when the grapes are ready."

"Does everyone in the world make wine?"

"Oh, mia cara, sometimes it seems like that, no? We make wine
because that's what we've always done. To live in Tuscany and do
otherwise is sacrilegious."

"Luigi says that his papa uses machines, and that stomping is
for retards."

"Luigi is an imbecile, much like his 'dear' papa. Our way is
the traditional way, the way we've done it for generations. You
should take pride in the way our wine is made, not be ashamed of
it."

"I'm not ashamed, mama."

"Good."

"But why do you not stomp the grapes? Papa does."

"Because I would much rather watch than do. Ahh… doesn't your
papa look handsome? Un colpo di fulimine."

"Mama--"

"You were almost conceived in a wine tub, you know."

"What is con-conceived?"

"You will learn it in due time, mia cara."

"You don't drink the wine, do you, mama?"

"Once, but not anymore."

"Why?"

"Because your papa's kisses are sweeter than any wine. One
taste of them, and I gave up all drink."

"You're silly, mama."

"Yes, mia cara, silly with love."

THE END