“What Pegman saw” is a weekly challenge based on Google Streetview. Using the location provided, you must write a piece of flash fiction of no more than 150 words. You can read the rules here. You can find today’s location on this page, from where you can also get the Inlinkz code. This week’s prompt is Tehran, Iran
Azadi Tower, Tehran, Iran © Avesta Naseri Google Maps
A Street Market in Tehran
The market smells of fruit and earth, onions and car exhaust as the rush of customers begins.
“Hello, Roxine!” I call. “The oranges are sweet today.”
“I want potatoes, Yegane. How much are they?”
“Thirty-four.”
“Too much!”
“As you’re a friend, thirty.”
“That’s a price for a friend? Well, okay.”
“Here they are. Would you like me to look after the kids tonight?”
“You’re a good woman. That would give me time to visit mum. Thank you!”
Her mum is very sick. I pat her hand. Already I’m looking at the next customer.
“Baigum! What would you like?”
“Cherries. And pistachios. And – are those strawberries fresh?”
“Are you a millionaire now?”
She just smiles. She’s wearing heavy make-up with her modest head-scarf.
Then it’s back to shouting, selling produce, sweating until two o’clock.
My husband packs up, while I go and tell the secret police everything I’ve observed.
Autumn Leaves 