Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

"You're trying to trick me," Griffin said.

"I promise, I am not," Katrina said.

The pair sat at a rickety wooden table bathed by a single overhead light. The wooden chairs provided no comfort and Griffin squirmed. Katrina sat erect, her perfect posture highlighted with her slender hands clasped demurely on the table, a faint smile creasing her pristine face.

"I don't believe you," Griffin said, the accusation spat from the depth of his discomfort. "You're lying."

Katrina's smile broadened and she leaned slightly towards the fidgeting Griffin. "I would never lie to you. Ever."

Griffin looked at his opposition, infuriated at her complete control of the situation. He had no escape from the small room save from acceding to Katrina's demands. The contest had lasted close to an hour.

"I don't have to," Griffin said. "You can't make me."

"Yes," Katrina said, an annoyance evident in her voice. "I can, actually."

Griffin started to speak, but Katrina cut him off, very direct and cold.

"Think very carefully before you speak."

Griffin slumped in the wooden chair. Griffin stared at the hard image of Katrina across the table. He knew what he faced, a long hard battle of wills. She had time and infinite patience on her side, allies Griffin lacked. He frowned and furrowed his brows, his arms folded in open defiance. The minutes ticked off the wall clock, filling the silent room.

"Fine," Griffin said, leaning forward, "I'll eat my broccoli."

"I promise, you won't die," Katrina said. "It's delicious, not poisonous."

Griffin picked up his fork and stabbed the steamed floret on his plate, dubious of her assurances, but tired of waging a losing battle.

"I better not," Griffin said, chewing the vegetable with extreme reluctance as Katrina smiled at her son.

Word count - 295