Jello Wrapped in an Orange Napkin: Stefano’s Diary, 1969 (6X2)

[Stephen Torelli]

We call her Wiji but unsure if that’s her real name and Grandpa says she was about thirty when her mom died back in 1916 and ever since, she lives by herself. She never seems to do much or so we think except sweep the sidewalk with her old broom and only says hello to me out of the dozens of kids in the nabe. She just stares at most but the most make fun so I think that she speaks to me cause of the respect I give.

Well, Wiji seems to never celebrate any holiday since she lives alone, but on All Hallows Eve she seems to cheer up, not that she smiles or anything although she smiles at me when nobody’s looking, but she does offer treats to those who knock on her old wooden door. She answers with a broom in hand and always gives us Jello wrapped in an orange napkin. My friends say it’s poison and throw it away, but I always eat mine because I trust her and she seems to like me and I never became ill.

Well, this year we knocked on her door and again, we were treated with Jello wrapped in an orange napkin. And I ate mine right away, but my seven friends gave their treat to Tony’s pet dog and Tommy gave his to his drunk grandfather, and you know, they passed. Cleever, the dog, never woke up and Tommy’s granddad died after three days in the hospital.

We won’t tell anybody because we believe Wiji will cast a spell, but why didn’t the Jello wrapped in an orange napkin affect me? My friends say she’s in love with me and make fun, and I only laugh because she just says hello to me and no one else. Anyway, today I learned she was an old flame of Grandpa's and everyone says I look like him.   

[Stephen Torelli]

I am not sure what ever became of Wiji, but I would like to think she had that special power to cast spells and good fortune. And if she is a witch, she’s out there somewhere, maybe in a mid sized town or city living in a corner house with her spotted cat, sweeping the sidewalk with a withered broom and jinxing those who disrespected others and charmed those whomever respected life and held her in high esteem.

 

[Jamie Hogan]

Agree with Paul. This is your sweet spot, Stephen. I was absolutely engrossed by the tale and the narration both.

[Michael Brown]

Agree with the others--you've got the kid's voice down pat. Your work is always rather heartwarming and rich with color. Love the name Wiji. There's a bit of magic in that alone.

[Gita]

Because you gave her respect, is why. Never doubt it.

I love the boy's perspective and the way he glosses over the death of the dog and Tommy's granddad to continue his story.  Kids do that. Fave.

[Angela]

Very good tale, and possibly my favorite of yours.

[Ron. Lavalette]

I bet she kept a cat, no?

Great stuff, ST.

[Toby Tucker Hecht]

Connections between people are really interesting.  This is a great autumn tale.

[Diana E. Backhouse]

Great read, Stephan.

[Paul de Denus]

Wow, this is one of your best Stephen-like the kid's view & poignancy- like the Autumn Tales