Elaine looked at the water lapping against the side of the house. She could see the small white line she had made yesterday.

‘Level is the same as yesterday,’ she said.

Albert nodded. That meant the dam had held. Another storm had passed and their town was secure. ‘Anything you need from the store?’

‘Just see if they have any gin. Supposed to be delivered this week.’

Albert stepped out the window onto the rowing boat that was tethered next to it. He began rowing down the street.

The neighbourhood was quiet. It always was these days, with no petrol left for the outboard motors.

He tied his boat at the town centre marina and walked along the floating gangway to the store. Picking up his weekly newspaper and milk, he saw the shelves looking empty.

‘Supply boat didn’t make it through?’ he asked Bob.

”Fraid not, waiting for a gap in the hurricanes. Likely be another month until the calm season starts,’ Bob said. ‘Heading to watch the big match this evening?’

‘You know I can’t stand water polo. Not a real sport.’

Albert rowed back to the house. Another quiet Sunday by the fire beckoned.

C’est la vie.


211-09-september-10th-2017
Copyright A Mixed Bag

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.

37 responses to “THE NEW NORMAL”

  1. bbryanthomas Avatar
    bbryanthomas

    That’s it Iain. Life goes on

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It always does. Thank you.

      Like

  2. Sunday Fiction Avatar

    “Waiting for the calm season” Pretty much the way the world is going with Global Warming. Good story Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    Water polo could become the norm in some places the way things are going!

    Click to read my tale

    Like

  4. Jennie Avatar

    Water polo! Good post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Jennie

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie Avatar

        You’re welcome, Lain.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. sailajaP14 Avatar

    Love the story and the title- The New Normal. Very well-written!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much.

      Like

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      So long as he has a nice bit of peace and quiet, he’s a happy man.

      Like

  6. J Hardy Carroll Avatar

    Timely subject for sure.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Danny James Avatar

    Water Polo? Made be a popular sport here in Florida tomorrow. 🙂

    DJ

    Liked by 1 person

  8. John Davis Frain Avatar

    Great title. Fantastic story. And satisfying ending. It was Albert’s Sunday wrapped up like a sandwich. Nicely constructed, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you John. I wish my Sunday’s were so peaceful.

      Like

  9. seekeroftruthweb Avatar

    Very timely story! Will they be moving soon?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      They seem pretty accepting and settled to me!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. joyroses13 Avatar

    Hmmm…wonder what the inspiration was for this story. 🙂
    Good job and love the ending!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      A story for our times. Thanks Joy

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    That’s not a new normal we’d want, I imagine. Love the matter-of-fact writing that makes this feel so plausible.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Sarah. I’m sure we would adapt, but I agree, not what any of us would want.

      Like

  12. gravadee Avatar

    Hi Iain

    I have nominated you guys for the Liebster award. (http://mrsdashsayss.blogspot.in/2017/09/liebster-award.html)

    Hope you do accept it and link me back with the reply.

    XOXO

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks, unfortunately I don’t do awards, purely as I don’t have time, but I appreciate you thinking of me.

      Like

  13. James Avatar

    Just a newspaper and milk? I’m feeling hungry already.

    Half expected you’d produce another crime story out of this one. Would have been interesting.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      No crime story this time, just an everyday tale. Thanks James.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. ceayr Avatar

    Laughing.
    Enjoyed this lots.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks CE 🙂

      Like

  15. kasturi Avatar

    Your pieces are lovely. Can’t stop reading!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You are very kind, thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Sheena Avatar

    An inconvenient truth?!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  17. neeltheauthor Avatar

    Excellent story with a languid calmness and a resigned acceptance to the pitiable situation. Very well written, Kelly

    Like

  18. THE NEW NORMAL (PART 2) – Iain Kelly Avatar

    […] This is a companion piece to another short piece – you can read part one here: THE NEW NORMAL […]

    Like

  19. Diary of a Dublin housewife Avatar

    Looking at the rain outside makes me think this lifestyle might not be so far into the future x

    Liked by 1 person

  20. athling2001 Avatar

    Sounds peaceful if a little scare of necessaries. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

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