Fall Writing Frenzy 2025 by Lydia Lukidis & Kaitlyn Sanchez

What story comes to your mind when you see this photo?

Santiago’s Surprise

A splendid day for watering my magnificent marigolds.!  I smile upwards at the fiery orb throwing threads of sunshine, surrounded by cotton- ball clouds in liquid blue. My butterfly ears hear bees buzzing as my best friend keeps these old bones company, thinks Santiago.

"Monkey, I've got an itch on my skull. Help me out?" asks Santiago.

"Sí."

"Ahhhh, I can never reach that spot. Gracias."

"Da nada."

"Waaaaait! There's something growing in my marigolds!"

"I'll give you a hint, my friend. They grow in warm places, love water, and make my favorite fruit."

"I'm  growing bananas in my marigolds?" asks Santiago. "I never planted bananas!"

"Actually.....I did. Remember when you were celebrating Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, with your family? All the photos with your skeleton fans? Especially the little kids who love your colors and body art?"

"Sí...."

My mama sent me banana seeds. I slipped 'em in the dirt. Figured you'd water then with the marigolds."

"I guess I did," admits Santiago.

 Friends help each other, sí?" begs Monkey.

"Sí, mi amigo.

But let's stick to just bananas for now!"

Jeannine Vetrano Smith 10/2/25