IAIN KELLY

FAUCETLY CHALLENGED

The evening had gone just as he had wanted it to.

Sally had invited him round for dinner and drinks. She had been single for a few months now after her divorce.

They’d been flirting round the office. He was sure she liked him.

The meal had gone well, conversation flowed, along with the wine.

He excused himself in order to freshen up.

Not bad, he thought, looking at his reflection in the mirror. He squirted soap into his hands and held them under the strangely-shaped tap.

Nothing happened. There was no handle to turn. How did you get the water on?

He pushed and pulled at the object. Finally, in frustration, he hit it. Water shot out of a nozzle, spraying the front of his trousers, his shirt and his face.

The spray stopped. Mark stood, water dripping from him.

Silently he left the bathroom, found his jacket in the hallway and slipped out the house.

Maybe he and Sally just weren’t meant to be.


photo-20180618154624172
Copyright Enisa

Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story or poem in aroundย 150 โ€“ 175 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visitย HERE.

To read other stories based on this weekโ€™s prompt, visitย HERE.

39 responses to “FAUCETLY CHALLENGED”

  1. scr4pl80 Avatar

    Oh poor Mark!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You know when it’s just not going to work out for you! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Fandango Avatar

    Been there, done that.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Priceless Joy Avatar

    Hahahaha! She isn’t the woman for him because her faucet doesn’t work properly. LOL! Cute story, Iain!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks PJ ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Ade-Oluwa Avatar

      My sentiments exactly. He decided a relationship that hasn’t even started wasn’t going to work, based on what? A tap he isn’t familiar with?! Some men! Glad I’m only required to understand the one man I’m going to marry. And maybe our sons.
      Good story.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Priceless Joy Avatar

        First of all, congratulations! Seems that man should have helped her repair her faucet instead of running off!

        Liked by 1 person

  4. James Avatar

    Maybe he could have just recommended a good plumber.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He might send her a text message later when he’s dried out.

      Like

  5. notestowomen Avatar

    Poor Mark. Maybe the faucet not working as it should made him think that it might be like that later down the road for Sally and him, so he’s saving himself the trouble now. Interesting story.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      True, definitely a sign

      Like

    2. Ade-Oluwa Avatar

      Poor Mark? More like chicken Mark.
      If I found out a man ditched me because something as insignificant as a tap, I will give him a brain-resetting wack on his insensitive head!

      Like

  6. S. M. Saves Avatar

    Either the faucet is a bad omen or it crushed his ego. ๐Ÿ™‚ Nice use of words.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Reena Saxena Avatar

    Wsa it a setup? ๐Ÿ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Sally’s way of saying she’s not interested? Maybe!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. yarnspinnerr Avatar

    Quite relatable. A fancy faucet is often a challenge. Great take.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      What’s wrong with a normal plain tap?! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Ade-Oluwa Avatar

        Because it’s plain. And we women love fancy stuff that is different from the regular. If Mark hasn’t figured that out yet, then maybe he’s not ready for any romantic relationship.

        Like

  9. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    Oh no, how unfair! Lovely story, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Emily

      Liked by 1 person

  10. pensitivity101 Avatar

    Poor Mark. Loved your take Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you. to be honest, I had no idea what I was looking at, but it seemed to fit okay!

      Like

      1. pensitivity101 Avatar

        I’m still thinking of my approach!

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Antoinette Truglio Martin Avatar
    Antoinette Truglio Martin

    Have! I wonder if Sally sabotaged the faucet.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Ade-Oluwa Avatar

      Now why would she do a thing like that? ๐Ÿค”

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Iain Kelly Avatar

      She could be a devious one! That’s one way to let a guy know you’re not interested ๐Ÿ™‚

      Like

  12. Akshata Ram Avatar

    oh my! this was damn funny I could imagine the scene playing out. well written Ian

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

      Like

  13. anuragbakhshi Avatar

    Ha ha ha, I spend at least 10 minutes in every new bathroom just trying to decipher the bathroom fittings, so I can empathize with your chap ๐Ÿ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      They do seem to get more complicated ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  14. athling2001 Avatar

    Sounds like it could have been something to laugh about in the future. Hope he made the right choice.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I’m sure he will look back and chuckle!

      Like

  15. Sreeblogs Avatar

    a really funny yet practical story๐Ÿ˜Šsometimes you get the sign from the universe ๐Ÿ˜‚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      ๐Ÿ™‚ It’s nice when it tells you things aren’t going to work out!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    LOL. That is so sad. I’m sure she’d have understood – everything was going so well before.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Sarah Ann

      Like

  17. ghostmmnc Avatar

    It just wasn’t his day, or the right girl, I suppose. … For real, some of those faucets in public restrooms are confusing! I’ve done the same trying to get the water to come out. haha! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Like

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