This short story is from <Heartwarming Collection of Short Stories for Seniors: 2 Books in 1> by Bradley Windrow. It is perfect for seniors, even for dementia patients. Be sure to read until the end, as there’s a special gift waiting for you! hope you enjoy it!
The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook. –Julia Child
Betty, Carol, and Fred had grand plans. After reading about the latest diet trend, they made a pact—no more indulgence, no more fried food, and no desserts. Betty, the organizer, took charge of the plan, dishing out meal prep advice and scheduling weekly check-ins. Carol and Fred agreed, though their enthusiasm was more lukewarm. Both knew their love of food was a formidable foe.
Day one of the diet started with optimism. By day three, cracks were showing. Carol, who claimed she was sticking to the plan, had added so much butter to her “low-calorie” soup it was practically a dairy product. Fred couldn’t resist his morning sausage and bacon, disguising it under the guise of “protein.” Betty, meanwhile, was pushing through, though her salads were starting to look less like meals and more like punishment.
By the end of the week, Betty decided it was time for their check-in. She initiated a group call, hoping to keep everyone motivated.
“Hey, how’s it going?” Betty asked, her voice bright and forced. “I’m just finishing a big salad. It’s so refreshing, really. The cucumbers are practically bursting with flavor.”
“Yeah, same here,” Carol replied, trying to sound enthusiastic. “Just having a small bowl of soup. Real light, real healthy.” The truth was, she was already halfway through a cheeseburger, fries still steaming on her plate.
Fred came in next. “I’m having a bowl of fresh fruit—grapes, mostly. This diet’s really working for me,” he lied, wiping his fingers on a napkin after demolishing a plate of fried chicken.
The call ended with polite affirmations of their “progress,” but each one hesitated before hanging up. Something felt… off. Looking around, they all realized why.
Betty blinked. Right in front of her, smack in the middle of the table, was a large, gooey pizza—half-eaten. Across the restaurant, Carol was chewing through her cheeseburger, trying (and failing) to look casual. And Fred? He sat by the window, finishing the last bite of fried chicken with an unapologetic grin.
The three friends locked eyes, caught in the act. The gig was up.
A second later, the restaurant echoed with their laughter. Betty, still holding a pizza slice, waved sheepishly across the room. Carol waved back, shrugging with a mouthful of fries, while Fred held up his plate as if showing off a trophy.
“Well, this is awkward,” Betty said, finally approaching the others. “So much for that salad.”
“I never even liked the soup,” Carol admitted, sitting beside them.
“Fried chicken won by a landslide.” Fred chuckled.
They all confessed to falling off the wagon almost immediately, realizing none had truly stuck to the plan.
“Alright,” Betty sighed, taking a bite of her pizza. “Maybe this diet thing isn’t for us.”
“Let’s just enjoy food without going crazy.” Fred nodded.
“Agreed,” Carol said, picking up her burger again. “But first—dessert?”
And just like that, their “disaster diet” was over. The new plan? Balance and a lot more laughs.
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