The snow was turning to slush and melting away, the festive decorations hung limply. The long winter with little to look forward to stretched ahead, like the dark main street at dawn.
He liked walking around the town in the early morning. It reminded him of how it used to be. The old shop fronts, the sea audible in the distance, the solid castle overlooking the town.
This was what it was like before the tourists had started coming, before the gaudy lights, the high street chains and the overcrowded population.
The fluorescent jacket was the first glimpse that something would disturb his morning ritual. Then he noticed others standing around. As he kept walking the general noise grew.
Another demonstration. An abundance of British and English flags told him the nature and identity of the marchers.
His walk soured, he turned for home, where he would gather in the deliveries of bread, milk and papers. Mr. Patel would open his store as he had done every day for forty years.
When the English Defence League marched past he would stand at his door and stare at those hurling abuse. He would not turn away.
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.
that was an interesting take on the prompt Ian
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Thank you
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a very strong and powerful piece well done
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Thank you so much
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Excellent social commentary, Iain.
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Thank you, although depressingly so…
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A tale of today. You certainly studied the photo closely Iain!
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Thanks Keith – inspiration found in the zooming in key of my laptop 🙂
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I spotted that English flag too and I like you’re response to it. The so called ‘immigrant’ whose been there longer than them all. Really nicely done.
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Thank you so much Anna, glad you liked it.
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Wrong your!!! I HATE that!
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I forgive it if it’s in the comments section 😉
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I’m obviously ignorant of local politics and social movements but it doesn’t sound that different from what is happening on this side of the pond.
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Thanks James – a problem afflicting most Western countries, and none of them have yet found a way to deal with it.
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Really glad I don’t have to experience things like that and sad that there are people who do.
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Thanks for commenting Janet – I should emphasise it is a minority of people and in a minority of places in Britain. Fortunately there are plenty more welcoming and tolerant people.
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A most interesting read, Iain.
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Thank you so much Robbie
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My favorite line…. “His walk soured” Enjoyed!
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Thank you Roger
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Like James, British politics is hazy at best but the hate of those who are different seems to be (unfortunately) universal.
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Afraid so. Thanks Susan.
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Unfortunately, your fictional story could so easily be ‘non-fiction’. That’s what makes it so powerful.
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Unfortunately so.
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Absolutely spot on.
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Sounds familiar sadly. I thought I’d opened my Guardian feed at first!
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Haha, thanks Geoff – I think that’s a compliment! 🙂
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A good take Ian, which shows a keen eye for detail. I hadn’t picked up on the English flag. It’s really sad that, in public perception, the Union Flag has been pulled in with the the English one to imply an obvious allegiance to racism and thuggery. A very young relative of mine (primary school age) proudly wears Union Flag Dr Martens because they’re “cool”. I’m sorry to say that the first time I saw him wearing them, I wondered what people might think.
That’s not a dig at your story, just a comment on what strange times we live in.
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I completely understand – flags can take on such dangerous connotations. Up here in Scotland to fly the Union flag or the Scottish Saltire is now a political opinion, or worse religious sectarianism.
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Yes, it’s a shame. The story of the Saltire’s origins is much more romantic than one involving men sitting round a table doodling and arguing, but nevertheless rooted in tribal conflict. Then again, it was the losing leader whose name was stamped on the location. By the way, I’m pleased to report that I pronounce Athelstaneford properly, even though I’m less than 1/8 Scottish.
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🙂 I think that qualifies you to be an honourary Scotsman!
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I’m not sure my father-in-law would agree, but I’ll take the compliment anyway. Thank you.
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A fascinating bit of social commentary. I felt sad for Mr Patel
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Thank you Michael – unfortunately there are a few like Mr. Patel who will relate to this story.
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#MakeBritainGreatAgain!?
I agree with the other commenter that this parallels things here in USA.
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Thank you. An unfortunate parallel to share.
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This idea of mine not yours is rampant everywhere. Even in India when people migrate to other states in search of jobs they are harangued and harassed no end. And then there are women who marry into other families and remain outsiders forever. It just never ends does it? Very well highlighted an all pervasive social malaise Iain.
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Thank you so much Dahlia
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And what would the city be like if all the “foreigners” left? People don’t think, don’t plan ahead. It’s sad. Society is anything but “social” in many ways these days. Good writing, Iain. —- Suzanne
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A very good point about society these days Suzanne.
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Good story Iain.
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Thank you
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