That Bubbly Feeling

Hazel has big plans for her daughter’s future – but she might need to go back to the drawing board herself

- Ginny Swart

‘I HEAR your daughter’s done pretty well for herself, eh Hazel? Winning that science prize?” “She has, yes.” It was hard for Hazel to stop beaming at the manager of the supermarket.

“You must be so proud of her. And she’s been given a scholarship to study, I hear?”

“That’s right. It will make a big difference once she’s decided what she wants to study.”

Hazel checked the lettuce in the salad section and made a note to have more brought through from the cool room at the back. They looked a bit tired, and Hazel prided herself on the way she managed the fruit and veg section.

She’d won a prize herself last year – for the best-kept section in the store. Mr Harrison had called everyone together just before opening and given her vouchers: a meal for two at an Italian restaurant.

“Hazel Venter is a real success story,” he’d said. “She started as a shelf packer at the age of 16 and today she’s manager of the fruit and veg section.”

Hazel had blushed scarlet. She hated the fuss. But the vouchers allowed her and Becky to enjoy a delicious meal.

Becky’s room was full of little silver trophies and awards and Hazel delighted in keeping them dusted, smiling with pride when she did so. She couldn’t understand her daughter’s attitude to them.

“They’re only trophies, Mom,” Becky said. “The maths cup for Grade 8 – honestly, why are you even keeping this?”

“So you can show your own daughter someday,” Hazel said. “I wish I’d had even one silver cup to boast about!”