Dearly

Some have traded so dearly for it. They lost their hair. Their skin got burned. Oh, they paid, gave the proverbial pound of flesh, or more, first in general terms, a lump, a mass, then specifically, a breast or two, some glands. They lost their balance. They lost their mobility and independence in the deal. In exchange for more, they negotiated the terms of their dignity. Throughout these transactions they realized true value; they learned and taught lessons of living and of loving. They traded so dearly for something we sometimes waste, often claim to have none of. Time.

A second take on the May 11, 2017 prompt for Carrot Ranch: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about trading. It can be the profession of old or of modern day traders on Wall Street. It can be trading places or lunches at school. What is traded? Is it a fair deal or a dupe? Trade away and go where the prompt leads you.