Iain Kelly

Fiction Writing

FAMILY HOLIDAY

The cars started rolling slowly to embark the ferry. They had been waiting for an hour watching the rain drum down.

Jessica rolled her eyes as Dad launched into another rendition of ‘Summer Holiday.’

Mum had got out the car and walked aboard. Her parents still weren’t talking after the argument over directions. Her brother sat staring at a video on his phone.

Two weeks camping in rainy Normandy again this year. Her best friend, Lucille, was flying to Disneyland tomorrow.

Next year she would be old enough to go away with her friends. She would miss her family holidays.

ted-struts-in-the-rain
Copyright Ted Strutz

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.

Iain Kelly

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83 responses to “FAMILY HOLIDAY”

  1. jellico84 Avatar
    jellico84

    Good story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  2. Annie Avatar
    Annie

    So much emotion in such a few words. Wonderful write, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Annie

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    There’s a lot of story in a few words. It sounds like a family holiday to miss. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

      Reply
  4. John Davis Frain Avatar
    John Davis Frain

    Those miserable moments on family holidays make the memories stronger and sweeter. Life is funny, yes?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Exactly that John, thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  5. LaRonda Moore Avatar
    LaRonda Moore

    I really love the content on your site – so much so that I nominated you for the Liebster Award. Check out the post at https://soeyewrite.wordpress.com/2017/06/21/liebster-award/.

    Like

    Reply
  6. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    an end of an era looming – I hope she comes away from the holiday with some happy memories. Well written Neil. Nicely captured tension

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lynn

      Like

      Reply
  7. kittysverses Avatar
    kittysverses

    A feel good story. Well done, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. kittysverses Avatar
        kittysverses

        Welcome

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    I actually it will take many years of sunburns with her friends to realize what she are missing…

    Liked by 1 person

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

      I actually think

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yes, usually it is only in later life we look back and realise how precious these moments really are.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Christine Goodnough Avatar
        Christine Goodnough

        Though maybe not this moment exactly. 🤔

        Liked by 1 person

  9. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    The modern family!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar
    Alicia Jamtaas

    The last line took me by surprise. I love it! You really turned things around with those six words.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Alicia, a bit of a cheat because in reality it is later in life that we look back and fondly remember these moments, but maybe she is a very self aware girl! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    You know what? It’s the miserable ones we remember! So, yes, she will miss them… while she’s having fun elsewhere…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      A different kind of fun for sure!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. wmqcolby Avatar
    wmqcolby

    Neat stuff, Iain. Who knows what’s going on with people we see passing by? Well-thought out characters, too. It put me in the story.
    Great job, sir! Five out of five “I-get-to-go-to-Disneylands!”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks, if only I didn’t have to take the kids with me… 🙂

      Like

      Reply
      1. Christine Goodnough Avatar
        Christine Goodnough

        What heresy?! Leave the kids at home and go to Disneyland. 😥

        Liked by 1 person

  13. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    Oh, this sure took me back. Wonderful story

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

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

    More weary travelers returning home. As Joni Mitchel says “Don’t it always seem to go. That you don’t know what you got till it’s gone.” Nice take on the prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, that song sums it up quite nicely!

      Like

      Reply
  15. James Avatar
    James

    Or would she?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I like to think so.

      Like

      Reply
  16. joyroses13 Avatar
    joyroses13

    Awh! Love the ending!! Especially hits home as my oldest is getting too old 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Joy 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  17. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    Nice slice of life, Iain. Love the feel of it.

    Like

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Sascha

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    someday, she’ll look back at these family outings with fondness. i do.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Exactly the feeling I was aiming for. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    A scene playing out all over the country right now! A trace of sarcasm from the daughter in the last sentence, methinks.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Possibly, or maybe she is aware enough to know that family life moves on… Thanks for reading.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. cfoleywriting Avatar
    cfoleywriting

    I like the description of how the different members of the family are acting, you get a great feel for their dynamic.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  21. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar
    Inside the Mind of Isadora

    As I read your story, I was reminded of family holiday events. The arguments that always seem to pop up. Realistic story this week, lain.
    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  22. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Will she miss them I wonder? Sounds like she can’t wait to get away. Though there is something about family holidays that are just so… so common. We all react in a similar way I think

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Laurie. I don’t remember thinking I would miss them at the time, but when we look back there is always a nostalgic memory of happy times.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. Mrs. Completely Avatar
    Mrs. Completely

    I’m guessing she won’t miss those holidays for a few years. And then she’ll miss them like crazy. Well done. :o)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you. I think you’re probably right.

      Like

      Reply
  24. subroto Avatar
    subroto

    Now that is a true slice of life. Very well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  25. justjoyfulness Avatar
    justjoyfulness

    Very well-captured slice of life. Many years hence it will either be totally forgotten or tenderly remembered. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  26. JS Brand Avatar
    JS Brand

    Great story Ian, so true to life. I wonder whether, in 30 or 40 years, Jessica will remember the rain or claim (as so many do) that the sun shone brightly every day during the summer holidays “when we were kids”. Sadly I’m one of the miserable ones who remembers having to wear a parka in August!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      That’s true, I always remember it as sunny during the holidays but I’m sure it couldn’t have been all the time

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. Liz Young Avatar
    Liz Young

    We always holidayed in England and I remember mine with joy – rain and all!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s part of the fun 🙂

      Like

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

    Nothing wrong with camping in Normandy – I do it often! She wouldn’t like Disneyland.

    My story – ‘An empty bottle’

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      🙂

      Like

      Reply
  29. rgayer55 Avatar
    rgayer55

    Ah, the family vacation. Much anticipated and dreaded at the same time. As my wife calls it, “making memories.” You painted the picture well, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Making memories, for good or bad! Thanks Roger

      Like

      Reply
    2. rgayer55 Avatar
      rgayer55

      It’s Russell, but Roger is close enough.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        Wrong R. Apologies.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. rgayer55 Avatar
        rgayer55

        No biggie.

        Liked by 1 person

  30. neelwritesblog Avatar
    neelwritesblog

    Very lovely writing and you very beautifully captured the pain of lovely days past their expire date.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neel

      Like

      Reply
  31. Michael Wynn Avatar
    Michael Wynn

    Sounds as though she won’t. You captured the truth of so many family holidays, nice one

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Michael

      Like

      Reply
  32. Christine Goodnough Avatar
    Christine Goodnough

    I agree with all the rest. Really well told. And now I have a new phone with oodles of smilies so I can truly express my sentiments. 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Ha, I like to stick to the basic smile 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  33. mandibelle16 Avatar
    mandibelle16

    I can relate to this. I was so happy when at sixteen I didn’t have to go on family holidays. At the same time, I missed them. And I think all parents tend to argue on vacation — at least mine did. Now As an adult I have vacationed with my parents and my friends too. It’s nice to mix it up. Great write!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Holidays with parents in later life seem much more precious, thanks Mandi.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  34. The Mom Who Runs Avatar
    The Mom Who Runs

    Oh the pain and challenge of family. You capture it well!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  35. lingeringvisions by Dawn Avatar
    lingeringvisions by Dawn

    It is sad when the kids become to big or busy to join us. You’ve captured that well.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dawn

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  36. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    Sometimes it’s good to miss things. Hopefully she’ll still have a good time – there ‘s lots of hanging around at Disneyland. My brother and I spent out summers being driven to and around France. I remember them as good, he remembers feeling carsick, we both remember the rows over directions.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Ha ha, they sound like great holidays!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  37. Clare Hempstead Avatar
    Clare Hempstead

    I love how we got an insight into so many characters in such a short piece.

    Like

    Reply
  38. The Reclining Gentleman Avatar
    The Reclining Gentleman

    Sounds like a holiday trip that countless families will be on this summer! And yes, we look back and remember even the bad ones fondly

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, certainly based on my own family holiday experience, I’m sure I’m not alone!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  39. Moon Avatar
    Moon

    Really like how you built up almost four characters with their idiosyncrasies in just 100 words .

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  40. patriciaruthsusan Avatar
    patriciaruthsusan

    Usually, we forget the regrettable memories and remember the good ones. I hope that’s the way for her. Good writing, Iain. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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