The Wrong Plant Store by Tayla Mapatac

1st Prize Winner, Writes of Summer - Drabble Edition; Prompt: Wrong Answers Only

The plant shop had one employee and one rule: WRONG ANSWERS ONLY
“Is this monstera easy?” I asked.
“Absolutely. Loves sunlight. Water daily.” 
The plant hissed at me.
“Does it have pests?”
“Never.”
Something with fur waved from a leaf.
I pointed to a black velvet anthurium. “And this one?” 
“Totally normal.”
Its leaves started moving toward me.
“Why’s it doing that?”
“Photosynthesis.”
“Why does it have teeth?”

“Fenestrations.”
The employee locked the door.
“Wait, are you leaving?”
“Lunch break.”
Vines wrapped around my ankles.
I screamed, “Wait, what does it eat?”
“Fertilizer.” The employee smiled. “Wrong answers only, remember?”

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Tayla Mapatac is a Calgary-based arts administrator passionate about supporting the local music community! With a background in marketing and live events, she brings creativity and organization to her work, helping create meaningful experiences for artists and audiences alike. Outside of the arts, Tayla is an avid reader with a lifelong love of storytelling. This summer, she decided to resurrect a childhood hobby of writing and has rediscovered the joy of putting her own stories on the page (fusing it with her love of horror and plants) through writing competitions and creative prompts!