(Note: This was originally posted in the Flash Fiction section of The Untitled Forum, and was so composed.)

Parallel Lines

"Is it a penny, or a nickel?" asked Toby, pulling on his boot where it had stuck in the mud of the swampy trail that lined the track.

"A penny, stupid. You don't want to waste a whole nickel." Isabella dug into her pocket and pulled out a small handful of change. "I've got a quarter, too."

"Where'd you get that?"

"Mom."

"She gave it to you?"

Isabella didn't answer, just smiled slyly and slipped the coins back into the pocket of her overalls. "Come on, it's almost time."