The Essentials

Flour, sugar, rice. That's what they needed, so that's what they bought. Every time. No matter how much Michael pleaded or begged. He's lucky I'm getting the sugar. Last month,  he begged so hard for basil seeds that Steven threw them in for free.  That was infuriating.  How dare he presume to parent for me, to run my farm? No matter,  he can grow it, but I won't eat it. The boy has more food than he knows what to do with.  It's bad enough that Pat will be home next month,  buying whatever he wants,  playing the hero, turning our world upside down.  It's best he stay away and leave us to it. We'd be better off without him. The boy needs to learn the difference between needs and wants.  He needs to learn the value of a dollar.  He still owes me for the broken lamp. He owes me.
"Is this all for today?" Steven asked as he rang up the items. The question was directed at the boy, who was twirling the seed rack with great interest.
She followed the grocer's gaze, tightened her lips and replied, "Yes, Steven, it's all we need."