Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by my old friend Al Forbes.
The idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in his picture (below).
Al’s slightly soggy photo of a stream in flood took me, of course, back to Scotland.
What can I say, I am hugely predictable.
Click on this link to enter your tale, and see what others have written.
Copyright Al Forbes
Click here to hear me read the story:
The Fence
I climb the fence I have climbed a thousand times before.
It is four feet high, with four cross-rails.
Maybe I am more tired from my journey than I realise.
Maybe the unaccustomed cold and damp is affecting my knee more than I think.
Maybe three hours with my grandson, playing games in the park, has exhausted me.
Whatever the reason, as I swing my trailing leg over, my heel catches.
I start to topple backwards, and inwards.
And I am suddenly very aware of the tree behind me.
I hunch my shoulders, push my head forward.
My curved back hits the tree and the ground simultaneously.
I am badly winded, but apparently unhurt.
Jack is beside me, concern on his face.
He offers me a hand.
In a minute, I say, taking some time to gather my breath and my dignity.
Then he helps me up, and we move on, more slowly.
At about the same time the following day we reach the same spot again.
We can walk round, he says.
No, I grin, I have a plan.
What’s that, he asks, dubiously.
He knows me too well.
I won’t fall today, I laugh.
He looks at me, grinning back.
Okay, he says, but let’s move away from the tree!
Sound Bite Fiction 
A lovely story – the bond between generations is strong.
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I am happy you enjoyed, Sally.
And sometimes we are lucky enough to meet exceptional people, regardless of age (and dubious lineage!)
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Nice, but I wish you’d spilled the ‘secret’ of getting over the fence.
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There is only one secret to climbing anything.
Don’t fall.
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I knew I was doing it wrong.
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Very cute story of you and Jack. So sweet he is trying to look after you, and take you away from the tree.
hugs
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He has been looking after me since he was almost 3!
I got very lucky with him.
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Dear CE,
Your soft spot for Jack is evident as is the relationship the two of you enjoy. Lovely piece that leaves me smiling inwardly and outwardly.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Then my week is worthwhile.
And Happy Birthday again!
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Lovely writing. Vivid, humorous, and (if only momentarily) heart-wrenching. My favorite bit was “taking some time to gather my breath and my dignity.” Thanks for this.
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Thank you, Sydney, very kind words.
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I thought he was landing in the water for sure! Glad it had a happy, warm ending. Nice one.
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No dramatic denouement this week, Iain.
I like to remind myself occasionally that I can write 200 words without someone having to die.
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I know the feeling. It’s nice sometimes to just write a nice, simple, ‘ordinary’ story.
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This takes place in Glasgow’s Queens Park, but at the Pitch and Putt, not the Duck Pond, fortunately!
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I know where you are, I used to stay next to it in Shawlands. I can picture a fall into the Duck Pond – I’m sure a grandpa or two have ended up in there over the years. Glad this particular grandpa was spared the indignity!
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Light and tender. Very enjoyable to read.
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Thank you, mon ami
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De rien!
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Very vividly narrated piece – could see it happening, although I must confess I didnt quite ‘get’ the plan…
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The plan is simple: do NOT fall!
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Ahh…thanks for clearing that up!
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I don’t understand how you can get it wrong!
Oh, I did too…
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I guess because I am too used to deciphering complicated plans – simple ones are beyond me 😀
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Humorous story, C.E. It seems pride is important. His grandson is trying to preserve it while increasing the safety factor. Good writing. Nice change from the usual dark subject. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne, I just like to remind myself that I can also catch flies with honey.
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Fantastic little picture you’ve created here. Made me laugh, reminds me of several family outings.
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I guess it’s the same the whole world over.
Glad you enjoyed.
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Very nice snapshot
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Thank you, sir.
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A lovely little snapshot of family life there, C. Sweet and realistic, feels like a moment caught on the page. Nicely done 🙂
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Thanks, Lynn, even I grow weary of the continual bloodshed!
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Haha! Yes, me too – the last two flashes I’ve written have actually involved no bloodshed – at all! And even the odd hopeful ending. What has become of us, C? Are we losing our edge? 🙂
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I will try to do something on FF tomorrow, before over-population becomes a problem!
And your edge is razor sharp, dear lady.
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Have fun on FF. Will see you there 🙂
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Love it! Light-hearted and made me chuckle: thank you!!
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Happy you enjoyed, Victoria
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It was great! I’ve really liked what I’ve read of your work. It’s good to read refreshing an compelling shorts. I like to feel a reaction! Have a fab day 🙂
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Good idea from Jack. Such a lovely tale. I think Jack knows his grandfather all too well.
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Way too smart for me, Al!
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Haha kids are like that.
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This ended more positively than I expected. 🙂
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I don’t like to be too predictable!
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Ah yes. A slice of life, love, and tenderness.
Beautifully constructed, with all the warmth, humanity showing.
Great writing.
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Merci, Em, qqfois c’est facile, mais c’est pas fiction!
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