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.
Iain Kelly 
that was an interesting take on the prompt Ian
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
a very strong and powerful piece well done
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much
LikeLike
Excellent social commentary, Iain.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, although depressingly so…
LikeLiked by 1 person
A tale of today. You certainly studied the photo closely Iain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Keith – inspiration found in the zooming in key of my laptop 🙂
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Anna, glad you liked it.
LikeLike
Wrong your!!! I HATE that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I forgive it if it’s in the comments section 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks James – a problem afflicting most Western countries, and none of them have yet found a way to deal with it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Really glad I don’t have to experience things like that and sad that there are people who do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A most interesting read, Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Robbie
LikeLiked by 1 person
My favorite line…. “His walk soured” Enjoyed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Roger
LikeLike
Like James, British politics is hazy at best but the hate of those who are different seems to be (unfortunately) universal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Afraid so. Thanks Susan.
LikeLike
Unfortunately, your fictional story could so easily be ‘non-fiction’. That’s what makes it so powerful.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Unfortunately so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely spot on.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds familiar sadly. I thought I’d opened my Guardian feed at first!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, thanks Geoff – I think that’s a compliment! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 I think that qualifies you to be an honourary Scotsman!
LikeLike
I’m not sure my father-in-law would agree, but I’ll take the compliment anyway. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fascinating bit of social commentary. I felt sad for Mr Patel
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Michael – unfortunately there are a few like Mr. Patel who will relate to this story.
LikeLike
#MakeBritainGreatAgain!?
I agree with the other commenter that this parallels things here in USA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. An unfortunate parallel to share.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Dahlia
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very good point about society these days Suzanne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good story Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person