Mum stopped on the wooden causeway. The wind swept the water over the sides, lapping at our feet.
Through the grey mist, a man stood. He wore a grey fedora and trench coat. Mum put her arms round my shoulders as he approached.
‘You shouldn’t have taken the kid. He might have let you go, but he would never let the kid go with you,’ he said.
‘You think I would let him grow up in that life?’ Mum said.
The man pointed the gun at Mum. ‘Give me the kid and I’ll let you go. I’ll tell him I took care of you.’
‘You’re not afraid one day he’ll look at him and see the similarities to you?’
The man moved forward and grasped Mum’s throat. My face was pushed against the wet, grey coat. ‘You always did have a big mouth,’ he sneered.
I heard a click next to my ear. Mum pushed the man away. The gun fell to the floor. The grey coat smeared black-red where the flick-knife was embedded.
‘He’ll hunt you down,’ the man said. ‘Whoever he sends next will kill you.’
‘Maybe,’ Mum said. ‘But not today.’
Mum turned and pulled me away. I looked back and saw the man keel over the edge of the causeway and disappear under the murky, grey waves.
Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Al Forbes. For more details visit HERE.
To read more stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
loved the mystery surrounding the 2 adults characters, such familiarity yet simmering hatred felt, and the mother fierce in her protection of the young boy. Good writing to get the mind thinking of the events that led to their meeting in such a way. Nice Iain!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, glad it got you thinking about them 🙂
LikeLike
Mum’s a badass. She better get herself a new knife.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a feeling she has steady supply of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely done. I wonder if the assailant with the gun was actually the kid’s father after the “similarities” comment. Good story Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was the hint, although I suspect there is no certainty. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is mother’s day! Nicely done Iain 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tried to write a nice story, bit this was as close as I got. I think it marks the occasion well 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nicely done.
….but not today
love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sascha!
LikeLike
Superb. Just perfect. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kecia, much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whoa! Go Mom! Nothing like a Mama Bear. Love the last line, “Not today!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Joy 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sent chills down my spine – a proper mama bear indeed! With a mother like her, I pity the poor fool who keeps going after them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Chris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mum don’t play.
I had to look up “Mother’s Day UK” to find out it was yesterday. Here in the U.S., it’s not until May.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didn’t realise it was a different date. I can recycle the same post in May!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice blog👍💎👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, much appreciated
LikeLike
It was certainly that Mother’s day! A sweet and tender tale to mark the occasion – not!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I struggle with sweet and tender 🙂
LikeLike
Simply loved the last line. Very well written, Lain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Neel, appreciated as always
LikeLike
Great take. Mum can certainly take care of herself. And anybody else.
LikeLiked by 1 person