THE CURMUDGEON: A 100-WORD STORY

Stepan had a naturally sour disposition.

Perhaps his personality was inherited: His parents were notorious curmudgeons back in the Old Country. Understandable, given the grim circumstances of their life there.

But here in America, Stepan had nothing to complain about. He was a successful entrepreneur with a thriving, happy family. His health was good. Why, then, did he feel so empty?

That’s when he realized what was missing from his life: the constant griping that had been the background of his childhood. And, ever the businessman, he conjured up the perfect solution.

Meet Stepan Kvetchit, proprietor of Stepan’s Whine Bar.