POP!  A Popcorn Kernel’s Journey

Story by Sammie Huff

| SHORT WRITING CONTEST

Energy. Excitement. Crowded. It was everyone’s wish to have a good view. I pushed and shoved, trying to get to the side of our glass house. I saw someone coming, so I tried to reach the top.  I remember seeing long trees of utensils, a large swimming pool called a “sink,” and the gorgeous sky. Every popcorn kernel had the same wish: to be the biggest, most fluffiest piece of popcorn ever puffed. 

As I looked out, my breath caught, particularly because all of my siblings, too, were trying to climb to the sides and top for a good view. I reluctantly gave way to them in order to brace myself for impact. I felt smooth hands reach in as I got poured into our car. I remember seeing numbers on the side to measure how many of us were going to our destination. 

Finally, we arrived.  We were at a bouncy-house! I had never been to one before, but I remembered seeing my friends bounce so much that they transformed into white fluffy puffs! I smiled widely at my siblings as we got poured out of our car. 

Soon enough we were in a cramped space. I felt light-headed. My excitement from earlier was gone, and was replaced with nervous anticipation. At the first feeling of heat and uncontrollable jumping, I cried desperately for Mama. Realizing that it was useless, I soon gave up. 

Energy rumbled through me. I felt like I was flying! I got tousled to the top and got a quick glance of the outside world. Suddenly, my feet felt funny. My legs were swelling. My heart was pumping quickly. I closed my eyes as I bounced downward then upward, feeling air and siblings. 

A minute later, many of my siblings had ventured down the large slide into the open. I desperately wanted to join them. My body swelled as I circled around the bouncy-house. 

POP!  My skin suddenly stretched and inflated like a balloon. I was fully grown, white-dressed, and wide-eyed. I was beaming as I approached the slide. I took an extra bounce. The edge was near.

 Oh no! Too big of a bounce! I ricocheted off the edge of the bowl, arms flailing wildly. “Mamaaaa!” I screamed as I tumbled onto the floor. 

I looked up a million miles to see Mama, peering desperately down at me. What a horrible way to die. On the ground, alone. 

I closed my eyes and heard a faint sound of walking and sniffing. A four-legged creature started to lick me. Her whiskers tickled me and her teeth made me feel light-headed. “Mama! Help!”

But it was no use. 

The furry monster found me! I looked into the deep eyes of the creature as she started playing with me between her paws. This was actually a lot better of a life than my brothers’ and sisters’. Much more entertaining. 

Then, darkness. Playtime was over. The creature licked her lips happily, begging for more.