Prompt: A Woman Thinks She Might Be Living Next Door to Her Grandson

I don’t know how familiar you are with clowning but it is a proud tradition, held closely by families for generations. Many clown families can trace their lineage back to a particularly horny mime in 17th century Paris.

My family, the Polinks, is a proud clowning family. Or at least we were. I’m the only one left. There was a time when ol’ Meredeth Polink was the top female sad clown in the Austin metro area. But I had to hang up my giant shoes last year when I had to have my hip replaced.

My children were never clowns. Not truly, anyways.

Sure, they were pros at the fake flower routine. Could make an entire zoo of balloon animals. But they never truly adopted the artistry of clowning. They took after their father in that way. Fucking magicians.

But my children are gone now. I lost them both in the deadliest clowning incident in recorded history. A three, clown car pile up that killed fifty. They were on their way to Clown Con 2015.

I haven’t seen my grandson in some years now. He went off to college in Massachusetts and got a degree in hotel management. I hope he’s doing well.

***

You remember my grandson I was telling you about? Well, I think he just moved in next door! I see him sitting on a bench out front all the time. I’m pretty sure it’s him. Hard to mistake his iconic red hair.

It appears he’s gotten back into clowning, too. Either that or he’s just trying to fight the white face makeup withdrawals. Some clowns can never kick the habit. I still have cravings myself. Lead paint can ruin your life if you’re not careful.

Oh, he must be working on his street work. He hasn’t moved in hours. He always was quite talented!

***

I think I’m gonna go make sure, once and for all. I’m just gonna go in the side door so I don’t disturb his work.

“Hi! What can I get you today?”

“Yes, hello. I was just wondering the name of the clown on the bench out front.”

“Are you serious?”

“Quite.”

“Ma’am. That’s Ronald. As in Ronald McDonald? Famous mascot for the world’s biggest fast food chain?

“Listen. If you are just going to stare blankly at me, and not order food, I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.”

***

I knew it was him! And famous too! The Polinks are back on top!