Flan

Thursday, 11:33 am

By Kate

At 10:30, the lad called with a request. He hesitated a moment, then pitched in.

“Could you do me a big favor?” he asked.

“Depends,” I said.

“This is a huge favor,” he said.

“A big favor is when you want me to bring something to school,” I said. “What’s a huge favor?”

“I forgot we’re having a party in Spanish class. Could you stop at the store and get two liters of Coke and Root Beer?”

“And...um...” he added, “maybe you could see if they have some flan?”

The idea of the store having any flan made me snort out loud. But I said sure, not a problem. That’s what I’m here for.

“Looked at your day planner lately?” I asked. I’m pretty sure I heard him mutter something.

Anyway, I went out to buy the soda and I did check the rather extensive display at the bakery counter to see if there was anything that might possibly pass for flan. There was a custard pie, which probably could have passed, kind of sort of, except that it was runny and grainy. I wouldn’t have bought it even if I was looking for a regular American style custard pie.

The lad said cookies were an acceptable alternative, if I couldn’t find flan. I opted, instead, for sliced marbled angel food cake. They’ll like it. It’s free food and contains chocolate.

Before I delivered the items to the school’s front office, I wrote a message on the back of the cash register tape. “Next time check day planner in advance. I make a mean flan.”

Hope he sees it.