Teenage Tomato's Soapbox
Ripening has its ups and downs: Interviewer investigates.
Interviewer: How about you give the audience a brief background about who you are?
Tomatoes: Well, in my younger years I felt a bit misplaced, but I managed to thrive nonetheless. I made a lot of close friends in school and they still continue to support me. I decided not to go to college. I felt I had to grow up the natural way. So far it is working out alright!
Gardener: That “natural way of growing up” had a lot to do with me.
Tomatoes: (Silence).
Interviewer: Thank you for that introduction. I can’t help but notice that you are getting taller! When we last saw you, your leaves were different, and your fruits had not changed colour.
Tomatoes: Yes, some of my leaves are changing, but I was taught in school that there is a pruning process that takes place during adolescence, so I am more excited than worried! As for my fruits, they are uh, different now (tomatoes pause, feeling a bit awkward).
Gardener: (Exits interview).
Interviewer: That is very exciting! So, what are your plans for the future?
Tomatoes: Although I am a bit shy to say this, I would love to support those that have helped me in the past.
Gardener: (Inside the house, but still listening with anxious curiosity).
Interviewer: Who has supported you throughout your upbringing?
Tomatoes: There are many people. The first person that I can think of is the Sun. I have gotten a lot of advice over the years from them and that has been very helpful. Secondly, I have to thank the soil. It has given me the energy that I need to grow strong. Thirdly, I have to thank the water that I drink every day; it was a bit foreign to me at first, but I notice that when I drink the water I am more energetic.
Interviewer: (Hears a door open and decides to stay quiet).
Gardener: (Comes back outside unexpectedly). Oh, the tomatoes are speaking so eloquently; it is as if they can see and can hear.
Tomatoes: We can hear it’s just that you are around us too much sometimes. We know you love us!
Interviewer: Wow, it seems that we have hit a breakthrough here.
Gardener: Yes we have, the tomatoes are listening a bit more.
Tomatoes: (Exiting the interview early).
Gardner: Thank you again for the interview.
Interviewer: It’s been a pleasure.
