IAIN KELLY

NOT WHAT I ASKED FOR

Archie stared at the gift, torn wrapping paper all round. It looked like several bicycles had crashed into each other, a mangled frame with wheels of various sizes attached to it.

‘Wow, that’s… interesting.’

‘Do you like it?’ Agnes smiled at him.

‘What is it?’

Agnes frowned. ‘A puncture repair station. You’re too old to cycle, I thought you’d like to help others if they get into bother. It’s got various sizes.’

‘I don’t know what to say.’ Since Archie had stopped cycling Agnes had wanted him to find another pastime.

‘You’re welcome would be nice.’ Agnes missed having the weekends to herself.

wheels-ted-strutz
Copyright Ted Strutz

Happy Holidays to all the Friday Fictioneers and those that visit my blog. As always I am eternally grateful for everyone who takes the time to read my offerings. I hope you all have a wonderful break and a Happy New Year.

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 stories featuring Agnes and Archie: THE AGNES AND ARCHIE STORIES.

89 responses to “NOT WHAT I ASKED FOR”

  1. Viola Bleu Avatar
    Viola Bleu

    I enjoy your posts – the humour always tucked away there amongst the prose. Clever!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much Viola 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  2. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    I feel for Agnes. Every wife needs her husband to have a pastime. Well, this wife does. 😉 Good one.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think it’s always good for a relationship to give each other space. Thanks Rochelle.

      Like

      Reply
  3. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    I totally get it. Yes, indeed.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      🙂 Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    That was an inventive interpretation of the image

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Neil.

      Like

      Reply
  5. magarisa Avatar
    magarisa

    Haha – love the last line! I wonder if Archie will really take up “puncture repair” as a new hobby.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you – I think he may not get a choice in the matter 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Moon Avatar
    Moon

    That was really wonderful, Iain.
    Really liked your interpretation of the prompt.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much Moon

      Like

      Reply
  7. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    He’s trying to be practical, but I think this is a lost cause.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It doesn’t seem like he’s going to go for it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Kelvin M. Knight's blog Avatar
    Kelvin M. Knight’s blog

    The image of bicycles crashed into each other is a lovely description of the photo prompt and metaphor for their lives, I feel.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Kelvin.

      Like

      Reply
  9. James Avatar
    James

    Archie seems to be underfoot this time around.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      They do take it in turns. I try to be even handed!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    Neat take on the prompt. Agnes seems to pushing Archie towards life in the garage! (Anywhere other than under the same roof, I guess)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think Archie will be content there!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. scr4pl80 Avatar
    scr4pl80

    Since I work from home and my husband is retired, I can totally relate! That sculpture looks like it could actually be used for such a device. Another great Archie and Agnes.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much Janet 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    I hope he takes to it. For the sake of their relationship.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      He’ll give it a go – whether he likes it or not.

      Like

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

    I would love to have my punctures repaired… where can I find Archie?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Could be a gap in the market 🙂

      Like

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

    Quick Iain, patent it and go on Dragon’s Den!

    Click to read my FriFic!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Think they’ll invest?! 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  15. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    I had a boss once who said he was happily married… three days a week. Sometimes you need that time alone to keep a marriage solid.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Absolutely, thanks Susan

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Christine Goodnough Avatar
    Christine Goodnough

    Sometimes, like Archie, we all search for suitable words to express our appreciation for something we never wanted and have no use for. 🙂 Good take on the prompt.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Christine

      Like

      Reply
  17. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Haha, obviously it’s a puncture repair station 🙂 Hopefully he’ll get really into it so she can get some space.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. Clare Hempstead Avatar
    Clare Hempstead

    Apparently, retirement can be a difficult adjustment. You portrayed this well!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      For some it certainly can be. Thanks Clare.

      Like

      Reply
  19. Balaka Avatar
    Balaka

    Awww!! That is such a beautiful story..kindness is in the air. Happy Holidays

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Trina, and to you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. Jane Dougherty Avatar
    Jane Dougherty

    Ooh, cruel. I think they should part company those two.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think they grudgingly still love each other – they are just far too used to each other!

      Like

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      1. Jane Dougherty Avatar
        Jane Dougherty

        There are a lot of couples like that. It’s a pattern. Sad though.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Jan Vanek Avatar
    Jan Vanek

    It’s so much fun to read all the different interpretations of Ted’s photo prompt! I enjoyed the creativity of yours, but that last line was a hoot! (Maybe because I’ve been there.) 🙂 Happy New Year!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Jan! Happy New Year 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  22. anuragbakhshi Avatar
    anuragbakhshi

    I have a feeling my wife has reached exactly that stage now 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Haha, I hope not!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. J. E. Kennedy Avatar
    J. E. Kennedy

    I do hope he finds some joy in his puncture repair set but I get the feeling he won’t. Ha. Happy holidays Iain.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, Happy Holidays to you also 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    Looks like she’ll have to keep searching for ways to get him out of the house – a nice garden shed might do it. All men need a shed. Nicely done Iain

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lynn.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Lynn Love Avatar
        Lynn Love

        My pleasure

        Liked by 1 person

  25. Susan A Eames Avatar
    Susan A Eames

    Ha ha – nice one! Hope Agnes’s plan works. 🙂

    I’m going to resume writing stories with FF in the New Year.
    Happy Christmas!

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Susan 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  26. Jelli Avatar
    Jelli

    Happy New Year! And this is really good. I can’t wait for next week. A week home with the Hubs and I’m ready to crack heads- uh, eggs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Ha, thanks – I hope you both survived the New Year 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. Liz Young Avatar
    Liz Young

    I wonder if something similar would get my OH out fromunder my feet?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Worth a try Liz 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  28. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Hahaha my mom is the same… need to give dad something to do 😄

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It seems to be a common theme from the comments! Thanks Laurie

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar
    Alicia Jamtaas

    Oh, Iain, this hit home. Today my husband said, “It seems to bother you when I breathe.” Ouch. Perhaps I’ve let the stress of the holidays bring pressure into our home.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Everyone needs their own space – especially round the holidays!

      Like

      Reply
  30. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    I so understand her situation! We can love them all to pieces but it is so nice to have “me” time… 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Absolutely, thanks Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  31. Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist Avatar
    Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

    I get Agnes. I so love having my mornings (two per week) when my husband plays golf. Mind you I know he looks forward to his two evenings at home alone when I go dancing. Good story that rang true.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Sounds like the perfect arrangement!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    hopefully, it’s not too much for him to handle to keep the peace. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      He can always take it out and then just head to the pub for a couple of hours instead 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  33. michaelwynnauthor Avatar
    michaelwynnauthor

    Great take Iain. It’s all so innocent until you understand her more serious underlying motive

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Michael

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  34. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar
    Brenda’s Thoughts

    I love the ending, very humorous and truthful. =)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Brenda

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  35. prior.. Avatar
    prior..

    it does look like a repair station – brilliant –
    and so is the way you had this agnes help archie find his next hobbie – so the relationship can breathe

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  36. neeltheauthor- author of WHEN LIFE THROWS THOSE CURVE BALLS Avatar
    neeltheauthor- author of WHEN LIFE THROWS THOSE CURVE BALLS

    Another fun prompt from you Kelly. Greatly enjoyed this and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neel – Happy New Year to you also.

      Like

      Reply
  37. kindredspirit23 Avatar
    kindredspirit23

    Lol, I like the “real” reason behind her gift. Nice endgame there.
    Mine: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2017/12/27/friday-fictioneers-lifes-cycle/
    Scott

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Scott

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. kindredspirit23 Avatar
        kindredspirit23

        Welcome

        Liked by 1 person

  38. Dawn M. Miller Avatar
    Dawn M. Miller

    Oh this made me LOL.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dawn, always happy to provide a chuckle 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  39. Susie Clevenger (@wingsobutterfly) Avatar
    Susie Clevenger (@wingsobutterfly)

    Oh, Agnes I feel you. My husband has been retired two years. I could use a few days to myself.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Ha, thanks Susie – I hope you have survived the holidays 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  40. yarnspinnerr Avatar
    yarnspinnerr

    A novel take.
    Happy 2018.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you – Happy New Year 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  41. patriciaruthsusan Avatar
    patriciaruthsusan

    Ah, she finally found a way to keep him busy and give her some peace. Humorous and good writing, Iain. 😀 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Suzanne

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  42. Dahlia Avatar
    Dahlia

    I feel for Agnes I really do! Nicely done Iain 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  43. Rowena Avatar
    Rowena

    I missed that prompt, but that structure was quite clever.
    That balance between intimacy and solitude is a challenging one, where it’s hard to find the mark or to be in the same head space at the same time as a couple. My cousin recently invited me up to her place at Blackheath for a week. It’s in the Blue Mountains, which are just beautiful. However, it could’ve been anywhere. Didn’t matter. I needed a break from the lot of them here. As it turned out, my cousin and I clicked so well that we ended up in our own zone and talked and shared so much that I barely had a chance to let my family know I’d arrived safely. However, we could appreciate each other as individuals, not through the lens of being Mum. She’s 83 and I’m in my late 40s and yet there was no distance between us. She is actually what I call my “family history cousin” and while we’re not that closely related, we are two peas in a pod and have so much in common. It has always amazed me like when you find twins who were separated at birth and find out they have so much in common.
    Anyway, human relationships are so intriguing.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  44. Iain Kelly Avatar
    Iain Kelly

    Thanks Rowena, sounds like you would know what presents to get each other 😉

    Like

    Reply

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