IAIN KELLY

RAIN DELAYS PLAY

Bob tapped in on the 9th green. Level par halfway round.

The children packed off to their grandparents, a romantic weekend ahead with Helen and a quiet round of golf while she finished up at work. This was the life.

As he teed off on the 10th the sunshine faded. Bob looked up. The clear blue sky had filled with ominous clouds.

**

‘How was golf?’ Helen asked over their dinner at the expensive hotel. ‘Did you get caught in that downpour?’

Bob sneezed into his plate. ‘I’ll sleep on the sofa.’ He blew his nose into his handkerchief.

clouds-above-the-trees
© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

107 responses to “RAIN DELAYS PLAY”

  1. FabricatingFiction Avatar
    FabricatingFiction

    Bang goes their romantic weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I’m sure Helen can still enjoy a relaxing spa or two! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. FabricatingFiction Avatar
        FabricatingFiction

        Haha good point!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Clare Hempstead Avatar
    Clare Hempstead

    Oh dear! I can’t escape the image of Bob sneezing into his plate – YUK!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Takes the romance out of their weekend certainly 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  3. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    Best laid plans, eh?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Sums up my life generally 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
  4. Snow's Fissures and Fractures Avatar
    Snow’s Fissures and Fractures

    How unfortunate.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Vaidehi Soni Avatar
    Vaidehi Soni

    That’s how it goes their romantic night. Haha. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      🙂 thanks for commenting

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Jane Dougherty Avatar
    Jane Dougherty

    I somehow can’t work up much sympathy for golfers. Must be deeply ingrained class hatred.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Wow, I didn’t know golf was a class issue.

      Like

      Reply
      1. Jane Dougherty Avatar
        Jane Dougherty

        Depends where you’re from, I suppose.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        I think in Scotland, although perhaps not exactly working class, it is more prevalent and accessible than in some other places. There are still the expensive members only clubs, bit a lot of public courses too that anyone can use.

        Like

      3. ceayr Avatar
        ceayr

        As you say, Iain, it certainly isn’t in Scotland. There are any number of public courses, including some 9 hole, and a 13-hole masterpiece at Port Bannatyne, as well as free pitch and putt sites in public parks across the country.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    Smiling. Loved where you took the prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Michael, glad you appreciated it.

      Like

      Reply
  8. shehannemoore Avatar
    shehannemoore

    The best laid plans…lol

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      There’s always something that doesn’t go to plan, and usually it’s the weather in Scotland 😉

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. shehannemoore Avatar
        shehannemoore

        I ken x

        Liked by 1 person

      2. seekeroftruthweb Avatar
        seekeroftruthweb

        In Ohio it’s the flip of a coin. There’s a saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Ohio, wait a few hours.” We can have bitterly cold winters and scorchingly hot, humid summers. (This year winter has alternated between cold and warm.) Tornadoes occur, but are pretty rare.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        More dramatic than Scotland, four seasons in one day is common here, but rarely at the extreme end of the scale, so a sunny day having a heavy shower of rain is pretty common. Thanks for commenting.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. seekeroftruthweb Avatar
        seekeroftruthweb

        Welcome!

        Liked by 1 person

  9. ceayr Avatar
    ceayr

    Clever piece, well done, as usual, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you CE.

      Like

      Reply
  10. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    So much for that romantic weekend. Fun story though. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle, a lighter piece this week.

      Like

      Reply
  11. gahlearner Avatar
    gahlearner

    I suppose her weekend will be more relaxing than she’d like. Fun story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Plenty of time to relax on her own at least. Thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  12. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Nothing worse than when plans go awry. Stolen weekends are few and far between for parents of young children…
    Then again, with him laid up, she can do whatever she wants…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Always a silver lining 🙂 thanks Dale

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. rgayer55 Avatar
      rgayer55

      Shame on you, Dale. 🙂
      I suppose their lovemaking would have been such a chore that she would have preferred cleaning the toilet with a toothbrush to lying in bed with him.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        Ha ha! No, but…one must look at the silver lining in this case. She is not going to waste this precious time sitting on her duff – unless that is exactly what she wants to do! Definitely no cleaning gonna go on here…

        Liked by 3 people

  13. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    The moral of this tale? Never play golf! I’m sure she can find something to do while he sneezes his head off … Nicely told tale Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lynn, I think she’ll have a great weekend! He can at least rest up in comfort… 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Lynn Love Avatar
        Lynn Love

        Very true. If you’re going to be ill, be ill in style 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Magaly Guerrero Avatar
    Magaly Guerrero

    Life can be such a wild thing. There we are thinking we figured it all out, and she decides to rain on us…

    Like

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Exactly! Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  15. neelwritesblog Avatar
    neelwritesblog

    Very clever piece, Liain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neel

      Like

      Reply
  16. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar
    Alicia Jamtaas

    Boom! The end of romance. Fun story, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Alicia

      Like

      Reply
  17. Madison Woods. Or maybe today I'm Ima Erthwitch, my other alter-ego. Avatar
    Madison Woods. Or maybe today I’m Ima Erthwitch, my other alter-ego.

    And everything was going so well in the first part. Sounds like true life!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yes, just when you think you’ve got it figured out!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    It’s always right to blame the golf… never mix romance and golf.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Sound advice 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  19. Edith M. Field Avatar
    Edith M. Field

    Never plan a romantic time for two! Especially if it involves making arrangements for children. Great story – it made me giggle. How unkind is that?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Edith, glad it made you laugh, although (apart from the golf) that’s basically my life 🙂

      Like

      Reply
      1. Edith M. Field Avatar
        Edith M. Field

        It’s mine too! That’s why I laughed. No matter how careful the plans, there’s always a little something lying in wait …!

        Liked by 1 person

  20. Rommy Avatar
    Rommy

    I hate it when a cold ruins my romantic plans!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Always happens at the worst time too! Thanks for reading.

      Like

      Reply
  21. Rowena Avatar
    Rowena

    Drats! Those precious weekends away upended by cruel fate. I booked in a night at a cheapish hotel for my husband and I after his work party when our kids were small. I accidentally booked twin share and then developed a violent bout of gastro. I’m sure cupid must have an evil twin.
    Great story.
    xx Rowena

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  22. writelindy Avatar
    writelindy

    She really is a ‘golf widow’. I giggled because I do recognise this tale. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  23. rgayer55 Avatar
    rgayer55

    I thought we were supposed to write fiction, Iain?
    Obviously, this is a true story with only the names changed to protect the embarrassed. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Scripted reality I think it’s called these days 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    See, if he’d stayed in and watched Netflix like me he’d have been ready to go 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  25. wmqcolby Avatar
    wmqcolby

    Nothing like a good potential game of golf ruined by weather. One of our broadcasters in America is Dave Feherty, one of the funniest golf commentators. One of his comments during the game is something like this — “Watching Phil Mickelson play golf is like watching a drunk chasing a balloon near the edge of a cliff.”

    Five out of five bogeys.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      That sort of commentary would make golf more entertaining to watch anyway.

      Like

      Reply
      1. wmqcolby Avatar
        wmqcolby

        Oh, listen, Dave’s the best!

        Liked by 1 person

  26. sailajaP14 Avatar
    sailajaP14

    Golf and for him while she was at work the whole day. And then dinner. A treat! After that, the excuse. Hmmmm. Was he actually being nice and giving her some much needed space? 😀
    So much in just a 100 words! Great work, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very devious thinking! Thanks for commenting 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. sailajaP14 Avatar
        sailajaP14

        😀

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Liz Young Avatar
    Liz Young

    So much for romance! Mind you, that was the quickest cold ever recorded. Author’s licence!

    Like

    Reply
  28. Tamal Avatar
    Tamal

    Nice one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Tamal

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. Life Lessons of a Dog Lover Avatar
    Life Lessons of a Dog Lover

    This made me laugh. I think it is a tale all parents recognize.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Definitely, thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  30. J.A. Prentice Avatar
    J.A. Prentice

    As someone who always tries to ignore the rain and spends most of the year sneezing, I found this story a little too relatable. Excellent story!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you. I try to avoid the rain too, but it’s not easy in Scotland!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  31. Louise Taylor Avatar
    Louise Taylor

    Bloody golf, hey! It never seems to get a good press.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      For such a simple game as well!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. Dawn Quyle Landau Avatar
    Dawn Quyle Landau

    I’m not sure I’d let a sneeze get in my way. 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  33. Joy Pixley Avatar
    Joy Pixley

    Isn’t that just the way, though? You finally get away for a real vacation to do all those fun things, only to collapse and spend the entire time making up for lost sleep. Ah well, as others have said, at least she can do something relaxing — and he can be sick in peace and quiet, for a change.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Always happens that way, never get ill when it’s work, only on the holidays!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Joy Pixley Avatar
        Joy Pixley

        Yep. I’m coming down with a bad cold right now — not bad enough to keep me from work (not with this crazy deadline we’re working on), but probably it will hit just in time to ruin my weekend. SIGH.

        Liked by 1 person

  34. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    i think he was enjoying himself too much the gods got jealous. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Cruel gods! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  35. John Davis Frain Avatar
    John Davis Frain

    They say golf is a good walk spoiled. You’re proven them right again!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks John

      Like

      Reply
  36. Fatima Fakier Deria Avatar
    Fatima Fakier Deria

    Shame! He caught a cold. Romantic plans all ruined. Well isn’t that life?! Clever story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  37. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    Tee he he!

    My 100 words

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  38. justjoyfulness Avatar
    justjoyfulness

    Maybe the kids cast a spell. In pique 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  39. jellico84 Avatar
    jellico84

    what a way to blow a weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  40. Michael Wynn Avatar
    Michael Wynn

    Poor bloke, suffering for his sport. She’s probably not best pleased either

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      No one wins 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  41. LucciaGray Avatar
    LucciaGray

    Oh dear, things don’t always work out as planned:( just a small bump on the road 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Hopefully they get another weekend away soon! Thanks for reading 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. LucciaGray Avatar
        LucciaGray

        I’m sure they will😀

        Liked by 1 person

  42. goroyboy Avatar
    goroyboy

    I enjoyed the transition of time ** Peace

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks, at least you liked that bit 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. goroyboy Avatar
        goroyboy

        🙂 cheers

        Liked by 1 person

  43. joyroses13 Avatar
    joyroses13

    LOL! Had to laugh at him, though I do feel a bit sorry for him. But hey he should have known. A romantic getaway doesn’t mean you leave your wife and go play golf. I think he learned his lesson! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think so too! Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  44. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    Well done. Plans awry. Do you think she got “teed off”?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      🙂 ha ha, very good!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  45. afairymind Avatar
    afairymind

    Oh dear! That’s their romantic weekend scuppered! Very fun, Iain. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  46. The Reclining Gentleman Avatar
    The Reclining Gentleman

    Haha! Great story Iain. The unpredictability of weather can spoil so many plans. And I loved the title too 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, you’re the first to mention the title, glad you got it!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  47. lingeringvisions by Dawn Avatar
    lingeringvisions by Dawn

    The Murphy’s law of romantic weekends, when you have kids.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  48. spicedmullings Avatar
    spicedmullings

    Oh no. A downpour on his plans. Rain washed away his play! So realistically funny!😞😞😞😉😂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, glad you found it funny 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. spicedmullings Avatar
        spicedmullings

        Not so much funny as the irony of it! And so realistically close to real life!

        Liked by 1 person

  49. Sarah Potter Writes Avatar
    Sarah Potter Writes

    Oh dear, a golfer with man flu. What a combination D:

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      🙂

      Like

      Reply

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