Iain Kelly

FESTIVE CHEER

The first freeze of the winter brought patches of treacherous ice.

Archie watched the school children sliding joyfully along.

Behind him, Agnes hummed Christmas songs as she hung baubles on the tree.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, tra-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.’

Archie imagined what he would do with the large icicle hanging from the tree in the garden.

Tickly tinsel was wrapped round his head.

‘That’s it, I’m going out.’ Archie threw on his jacket.

Agnes watched Archie storm up the path, slide on the ice and end up sprawled on the ground.

The school children pointed and laughed uncontrollably. As did Agnes.

icicles-dale-rogerson
Copyright Dale Rogerson

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.

Other short stories featuring Agnes and Archie can be read here: THE AGNES AND ARCHIE STORIES

Iain Kelly

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79 responses to “FESTIVE CHEER”

  1. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    It sounds like Archie had laughter in mind. Cute story.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      He is a big kid at heart, even if his body won’t let him be. Thanks Rochelle 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  2. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    The title is just right, Iain. A very seasonal story

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neil, but are you an Archie or an Agnes when it comes to the festive joys?

      Like

      Reply
      1. neilmacdon Avatar
        neilmacdon

        If I knew what they were I could pick

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    He sounds like the kind of cheery person you don’t want to have around.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      He’ll cheer up in time for Christmas dinner.

      Like

      Reply
  4. Christine Goodnough Avatar
    Christine Goodnough

    The Grinch gets his comeuppance — or rather comedown-ance. 🙂
    Good little story. Hope he catches the “merry” bug soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      He’ll be joining in by Christmas Day. Thanks Christine 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  5. magarisa Avatar
    magarisa

    Seems that everyone is laughing but Archie. 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      He’ll see the funny side later on… much later on 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    I’m a little concerned about what he plans to do with the large icicle 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      So long as he only thinks it…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Jane Dougherty Avatar
    Jane Dougherty

    I had the same thought—he was going to do something nasty with that icicle, wasn’t he?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      He was going to perhaps, but not anymore.

      Like

      Reply
      1. Jane Dougherty Avatar
        Jane Dougherty

        Too sore probably.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Anna Rymer Avatar
    Anna Rymer

    Ha ha – he deserved that grumpy ass! Not a great marriage there then? The icicles do present a wonderful weapon 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Anna. It’s a long lasting marriage where they’ve learned to live with each others different ways 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. J.A. Prentice Avatar
    J.A. Prentice

    Great story. The characters were very distinct.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

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

    Looks like the icicle is safe for now! .Excellent Iain.

    Click to read my FFfAW!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Keith

      Like

      Reply
  11. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Bah Humbug to him! Who needs him around when we are all cheery, eh?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      When I see someone like him, I make sure to be extra cheery – which is what Agnes seems to be doing too!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        I’m with you on that, Iain!!

        Like

  12. James Avatar
    James

    Archie never gets a break, except maybe of his bones and pride.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      He has taken a few falls along the way, but he always comes back for more.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Susan A Eames Avatar
    Susan A Eames

    Poor Archie – I could sympathise with him. 🙂

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Susan – the first to offer him any sympathy! 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  14. Akshata Ram Avatar
    Akshata Ram

    That was a sweet one Ian

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  15. scr4pl80 Avatar
    scr4pl80

    Oh Archie, will you never learn?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Apparently he won’t! Thanks Janet.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    Fluent and entertaining, Iain.

    Like

    Reply
  17. Joy Pixley Avatar
    Joy Pixley

    Oh, that poor Archie. He should know better than to storm around on icy sidewalks by now! But then, he never does learn, does he?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      No, he never does. Thanks Joy.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    What fun would life be if we didn’t fall flat on our faces once in a while

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very true. Thanks Susan.

      Like

      Reply
  19. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar
    Alicia Jamtaas

    Somehow, I feel that Archie lacks Christmas cheer. Or maybe I’m way off base.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      He’s not quite caught the spirit yet, maybe in a couple of weeks!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    Ha! Storming up the path of ice. Kind of got what he deserved. Hopefully it stirred his spirit.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      He’ll have to laugh about it at some point. Thanks Sascha.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Alice Audrey Avatar
    Alice Audrey

    I have a bloggy friend who would say “Bah! Humbug!” I get the feeling they would get along.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I’m sure they would!

      Like

      Reply
  22. anuragbakhshi Avatar
    anuragbakhshi

    Poor Archie, after all, he was just getting the icicle to scratch his back…wasn’t he? 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Absolutely 😉

      Like

      Reply
  23. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    I don’t suppose that’s going to make him any less grumpy 🙂
    I was actually waiting for the “large icicle hanging from the tree” to deliver the coup de grace…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Ha, I decided not to kill anyone off this week!

      Like

      Reply
  24. bbryanthomas Avatar
    bbryanthomas

    There’s always an Archie.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Based on real life. Thanks Bryan

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. Liz Young Avatar
    Liz Young

    If he’d been more careful he could have killed her with an icicle and got away with it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Oh, I don’t know if he would have gone through with it…!

      Like

      Reply
  26. Natasha Avatar
    Natasha

    Oh dear Archie is at it again. But I do love is child like fervour.
    I can see myself in him. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Natasha Avatar
      Natasha

      His**

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Natasha, me too!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    He needs to slow down and get a sense of humour – and some grips for his shoes! Nicely told Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Ha, yep a proper pair of boots would have helped 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Lynn Love Avatar
        Lynn Love

        Indeed! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Oh dear. The grinch has struck again but so has karma it seems

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      The Grinch always gets hit with karma in the end.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. Balaka Avatar
    Balaka

    That is a cute little story..it brought a smile on my face.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, glad it gave you a smile 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  30. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    i think archie had a good laugh himself sprawled on the ground. it was good fun. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I like to think he saw the funny side.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  31. landofimages Avatar
    landofimages

    Wow, that’s bizare. I never read anyone else’s story before writing mine, so reading your fabulous story came as a bit of a shock! Maybe Agnes and Archie are in the same school as Charlie. Love your story 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  32. rgayer55 Avatar
    rgayer55

    I’ve observed people falling on ice. The first thing they do is look around to see who might be watching. I guess that’s human nature. Let’s hope nothing was hurt but his ego.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      There’s no choice but to join in the laughter really.

      Like

      Reply
  33. Jan Vanek Avatar
    Jan Vanek

    I could just hear Agnes singing, feel the irritating tickle of icicles on Archie’s head, and I wondered . . . just what did he have in mind for that large icicle? So much story in only 100 words. Loved it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much Jan

      Like

      Reply
  34. patriciaruthsusan Avatar
    patriciaruthsusan

    At least someone’s in a festive mood. Good writing, Iain. 😀 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Suzanne

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  35. Dawn M. Miller Avatar
    Dawn M. Miller

    Fun story!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Glad you liked it Dawn

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  36. subroto Avatar
    subroto

    Hmm a melting sharp icicle would be the perfect weapon. Except he might be too clumsy to carry it off. Fun story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Knowing Archie you are exactly right!

      Like

      Reply
  37. kindredspirit23 Avatar
    kindredspirit23

    Since my stroke, my outings into ice would tend to rival his fallen trip.
    Scott
    Mine: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2017/12/11/fall-of-our-discontent/

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Take care out there.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. kindredspirit23 Avatar
        kindredspirit23

        I will. Thanks.

        Liked by 1 person

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