It’s time for Friday Fictioneers, where writers across the globe are challenged to write a 100-word story based on a photo prompt. Thanks to C. Hase for this week’s photo. As always, thank you to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for her dedicating her time and energy to leading the group.
Everyone is welcome. Why not join in? Visit Rochelle’s Addicted to Purple blog for detailed instructions.
Below is my contribution.
Genre: Humor
Meet the Robinsons*
“Every time I walk outside, I get damn near knocked over.” Bill walks outside to face his enemy. “Hey, watch where you’re going! You monsters.”
“Bill, they’re just people.”
“And my mortgage is through the roof,” said Bill.
Foregoing his beach lifestyle for a cabin n the woods, Bill packs it up and drives off with his family.
Somewhere in the mountains:
“Do you hear that silence?”
His kids shiver underneath blankets, unable to speak.
“Throw another log on the fire, will ya? I can’t face the snowdrifts tonight.”
Later:
“I was thinking, why don’t we just go on a voyage together?”
“No, dad” the kids sad. “We don’t wanna go. We might end up shipwrecked on an island or something.”
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*The Robinsons are not unlike that other Robinson family. You may recall the Swiss Family Robinson? I’m making a little joke and added the line to hopefully help it make sense. Of course, I’m a bit over word count wise, but usually I’m so good. 🙂
For more stories from the Fictioneers, click here.
a family that learns how to huddle in the cold together will likely stay together. 🙂
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I hope so, Plaridel. That’s a good point. 🙂
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Dear Bill,
I think you should get away by yourself. The kids and I will be at my Mother’s house in Belize.
Signed,
No longer in wanderlust with you.
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Ooh, I want to go to Belize. Can I come, too? Sorry, Friday Fictioneers. I’m leaving for a month! Ha, you’re cracking me up!
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yes, but let’s fly.
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Deal!
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It sounds like Bill is never going to be happy. I feel sorry for his poor family 🙂
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Bill soon will have no choice but to relax and take a load off, for himself and his family. Thanks, Ali.
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Another sad character who knows exactly what he wants….until something else comes along. 😕 🙂
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Thanks. I was playing a little joke with this, a prequel of sorts to the Swiss Family Robinson story. I added a line so it makes more sense. Hopefully! They’re headed on a voyage to only be shipwrecked. See…ha ha. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Very good – love the title too 🙂
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Thank you, Mr. Binks. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
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Dear Amy,
I’m with Tracey, Mrs. Robinson should opt out of the voyage. Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Where is Mrs. Robinson anyway? Perhaps, she already abandoned ship. Thank you.
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I’m not sure that man is ever going to settle. Nice story.
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Probably not unless he is shipwrecked on a deserted island. Thank you, Claire
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Bill seems a little scatter-brained (and I should know). I was hoping we were going to hear something about Mrs. Robinson. After all, we’ve got a whole new crop of graduates. 🙂
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Hi Russell, I’m actually referring to that other Robinson clan. The Swiss Family Robinson one. Ha! I added a line. I’m way over my limit but maybe it makes more sense now. Thanks!
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Ah ha … the prequel. … although my first thought when seeing the pic was Jaws movie theme music.
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You got it, Frank. Yeah, it’s a prequel of sorts. Jaws could probably handle this chain!
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Sounds like the kids know their unpredictable father very well – and sounds like he’s all about himself! Loved your story – great work as always xo
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Bill is a little too adventurous perhaps. Thanks, Kelly. You’re the best. xo
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Yes – a little too much for me, although some is a very good thing! Have a good day 🙂
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Thanks! You, too. 🙂
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Nicely done Amy. A true wanderlust.
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Thanks, Sandra.
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Oddly enough, “Robinson” works for either Swiss Families or Crusoes…
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Oh, you’re right! Thanks for pointing that out, Dave. I guess the Robinsons are an adventurous bunch, generally speaking. 🙂
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But (from that limited sampling) a painfully unlucky bunch!
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Yes, indeed!
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From sea to forest to??? Sounds like the kids know when to stop. Nicely done, my dear.
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To sea again! Thanks, Alicia. This guy is not chained until he’s stuck on an island. Really? 🙂
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Oh another note..what’s with the highlighted text that says Adblocker?
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Hmm…I have no idea. I’ll look into it. Thanks for telling me.
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Yes..wasn’t sure if you could see it on your own page, that’s why I mentioned it. You may have to log out to see it.
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Yep, I saw it! I think I fixed it. Fingers crossed. Thanks again for letting me know.
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I got it, Amy! 🙂
I may take up these challenges myself…
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Yay! Oh, good to hear. Thanks, Tom. You totally should. I enjoy it even when I blow it!
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I think Bill’s a little bit nuts. Mrs. Bill and the kids would be wise to drop him off somewhere near the Equator. Now when are you and me going to Belize?
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Oh, so they’re the Bills now. That works for me. Yeah, he’s off his rocker. Let’s just skip on this story. Tonight! Let’s go tonight. I’ll just go pack my bags now. 🙂
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I don’t know that Swiss Robinson family, but this family seems to be centered on the dad who seems to be more than a tad selfish. But then, aren’t all parents who decide that this here is where and how we live. Children have to put up with this, and maybe these here will later actually look bac fondly. It’s a great take on the prompt.
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The Swiss Family Robinson become shipwrecked on an island. See that’s where they’re headed. The dad will have no choice but to stay put then. I don’t know the story that well but I do know they end up living in a wonderful treehouse! The kids might like that. Thanks so much for reading and your comments, Gah.
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Mr Robinson doesn’t have a good track-record. I think he should reconnoitre on his own.
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Somehow, I think they’ll all be going on that trip. Thanks, Mick!
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Some people are just never happy….
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Yes, it would appear so. Thanks, Jan.
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The grass is always greener…or the air is always cleaner…or, you know. Great story!
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Both work for me! Thank you, Lorna. I know it was a bit strange. Thanks for reading.
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My pleasure!
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The sooner Bill learns you can’t run away from your problems the sooner he’ll be happy to stay put.
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I hope so, Irene, I hope so. Thanks for much for reading and for commenting.
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Amy, I like the Swiss Family Robinson reference. I always thought that looked like so much fun, being shipwrecked on an island. Maybe a bit more than living in a cabin surrounded by snowdrifts. 🙂
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Sure, what are those kids thinking? Don’t they know they’re going to live in a treehouse? What could be more fun than that? This story didn’t quite work out for me. Not really. I’m always happy if I write though no matter what. 🙂
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I loved your “prequel” was a great idea. Loved you story. 🙂
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Thank you, Susan. That made me smile. Thanks for the boost! 🙂
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You are indeed always good, Randy (see comment in Randy’s section)… and ironically, with wonderful dialogue and fun storytelling. I love the idea of this muddled family following dad in his topsy turvy way. This was a fun one, Amy; really enjoyed it!
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Wow, thanks so much, Dawn. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your lovely comments and your support and encouragement. It means a lot to me, coming from you.
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What I like about Friday fictioneers is not just the diversity in story, but also writing style. I kind of pictured this in a movie style sequence. Works well.
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Thank you, Weltchy. I appreciate that. I’ve always wanted to write a screenplay.
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Sounds like his family is destined to keep moving. Poor wife and family. He doesn’t seem to know what he wants. I liked the movie though. It was creative and fun. Well done, Any, even if it was over the word count a bit. 🙂 — Suzanne
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I suppose he is a bit desperate, Suzanne. Perhaps when he arrives at the island he will learn to relax. Thanks so much. This week I’ll try to do better on that word count. 🙂
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