IAIN KELLY

MONTREAL – WHO KNEW?

Who would have thought it? Montreal was the answer to human salvation.

Due to its specific geographic location, prevailing winds and ocean currents and distance from any of the active fault lines, Montreal was the one place where the air was still breathable, the climate was habitable and the landscape stable.

Peering through the curtains I thought about the journey we had survived to get here.

The Canadians had been welcoming, despite the overcrowding. Every house was packed with refugees.

There would be questions in the future about sustainability, food and water, law and order.

For now, the sun rose over Montreal.

dawn-in-montreal
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.

91 responses to “MONTREAL – WHO KNEW?”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    Bleak and yet hopeful, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neil

      Like

      Reply
  2. James McEwan Avatar
    James McEwan

    My goodness, after reading this I thought; is Montreal the last place on Earth? Then again why not. I like the shift from a dystopian view to one of futuristic optimism. A fine flash fiction piece.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. ceayr Avatar
    ceayr

    Great piece, Iain.
    But if Canada is the answer, I am concerned about the question!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s going to be somewhere less obvious that remains when all the big famous cities of the world are destroyed…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. ceayr Avatar
        ceayr

        You are right, of course.
        According to Nevil Shute, some 60 years ago, Australia was the last to go.
        But it makes sense that somewhere like French Polynesia will be as safe as it gets.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    An interesting take, and nicely written. I like the optimism of your story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Penny

      Like

      Reply
  5. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    Uplifting and bleak at the same time. Well written.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

      Reply
  6. trentpmcd Avatar
    trentpmcd

    There are plenty south of the border who think Canada may be the solution right now 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I did want to include something like, thank goodness it wasn’t somewhere in America… but the word count didn’t allow it, and some readers may have been offended! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. trentpmcd Avatar
        trentpmcd

        Since the photo was from Montreal anyway…

        Liked by 1 person

  7. aheartforafrica641064503 Avatar
    aheartforafrica641064503

    Very inspiring piece. There are questions about the future but there’s hope as well. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks

      Like

      Reply
  8. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    There’s a wonderful book by Trevanian called The Main set in Montreal. He really takes the pulse of the city.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks for the tip.

      Like

      Reply
  9. James Pyles Avatar
    James Pyles

    I’ve read Canada’s immigration laws and it’s not so easy to get in. I’m betting even a nation as big as Canada, in such an environmental emergency and with abundant but still finite resources, would circle the wagons and severely restrict or stop all immigration to their nation.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      If it was the last hope for human kind, I’m not so sure. They seem pretty open and helpful types.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        You’ve got that right, Iain.

        Liked by 1 person

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

    Loved the feel good optimistic vibe of the story despite it’s streak of initial pensiveness. Well written, Kelly.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neel

      Like

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

    As my mother is Canadian I guess at least half of me should be welcome there! Something a little different from you this week Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      You should find it easy to get in then, lucky you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. yarnspinnerr Avatar
    yarnspinnerr

    Montreal as a post apocalypses. refuge. Ingenious.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      We’ll have to take shelter somewhere when it comes 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. shivamt25 Avatar
    shivamt25

    I love a good apocalypse tale. Also, I like the way you portrayed Canadians as helping and sharing. Although, I am not sure every country would have this attitude when such tragedy hits us.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      No, I’m sure there are others who would shut their borders and only look after their own.

      Like

      Reply
  14. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    If you are right Iain, I am on my way to Montreal.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Maybe we should all move there!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. Edith M. Field Avatar
    Edith M. Field

    A superb story, Iain. I particularly enjoyed the analysis of why Montreal is the place to be. And I love the last line with that subtle hint of doubt. A great read!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Edith

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. MONTREAL – WHO KNEW? — Iain Kelly – Afterwards Avatar
    MONTREAL – WHO KNEW? — Iain Kelly – Afterwards

    […] via MONTREAL – WHO KNEW? — Iain Kelly […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  17. anuragbakhshi Avatar
    anuragbakhshi

    Great use of the location of the photograph Iain. Let’s hope all frequent your dire predictions of apocalypse do not come true in our lifetimes 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Here’s hoping!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. Alice Audrey Avatar
    Alice Audrey

    Hopefully it rises in other places, too. It’s all connected one way or another.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      We certainly are.

      Like

      Reply
  19. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    it’s hope that keeps us alive. anything that gives hope is a positive thing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Nice for Dale!
    A tough future ahead, but a future nonetheless.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yep, she hardly has to move 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        15 minutes away from that wonderful pic you selected up at the top…

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Diary of a Dublin housewife Avatar
    Diary of a Dublin housewife

    Who’ll be the last to drink Canada Dry? 😱

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      The Mounties will keep everyone in order.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Diary of a Dublin housewife Avatar
        Diary of a Dublin housewife

        No horsing about for those lads 😜

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Jan Morrill Avatar
    Jan Morrill

    Well-written–a sad, optimistic and a commentary, too (IMO), all in 100 words. Excellent!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Jan

      Like

      Reply
  23. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    I’ve just started reading the stories, after writing my own. I have a feeling there’s going to be a lot of apocalyptic stories this week. Enjoyed yours very much. Montreal is a wonderful place.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I shall have to visit during the apocalypse 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. Fatima Fakier Avatar
    Fatima Fakier

    I too had an apocalyptic idea, but didn’t use it. Something about that setting sun. Loved your take. Montreal hey? Would never have guessed, but then again Canadians were the most welcoming to refugees in recent events.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      That’s definitely looking on the bright side! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar
    theministryofshrawleywalks

    Dystopia here we come, this could be a reality for many in a few years. Bleakly brilliant!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Let’s hope not, but they’ll be happy in Montreal!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar
        theministryofshrawleywalks

        It looks mighty fine in Canada!

        Liked by 1 person

  26. StuHN Avatar
    StuHN

    The world needs to be Canadian.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It couldn’t be any worse if we gave it a try.

      Like

      Reply
  27. patrickprinsloo Avatar
    patrickprinsloo

    Lovely. And it’s a wonderful city.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I shall have to visit sometime, preferably before the apocalypse.

      Like

      Reply
  28. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Obviously, I love this, Iain 😉
    And why not be the last habitable place on Earth?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Why not indeed 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    Excellent! The people are probably the most welcoming on the planet so it’s a great place to have as the last habitable place. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      See you there when the time comes!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sascha Darlington Avatar
        Sascha Darlington

        I’m glad I now know where to go! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Reena Saxena Avatar
    Reena Saxena

    A very realistic approach!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Reena

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  31. Piyali Avatar
    Piyali

    I loved how your story ended with a nod to optimism 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. Carol J Forrester Avatar
    Carol J Forrester

    Surprisingly hopeful for an apocalyptic world. I like it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Carol

      Like

      Reply
  33. liz young Avatar
    liz young

    Aren’t you lucky it was in Canada, not America!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I wanted to hint at that without saying it explicitly! Thanks Liz

      Like

      Reply
  34. Woman walking Max Avatar
    Woman walking Max

    I like the reflective tone you create very much, and the measured perspective taken on the refugee situation. Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  35. Russell Gayer Avatar
    Russell Gayer

    And I hear a lady just opened a great air BNB there. She serves homeade biscuits and gravy too!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Sounds like the place to be, we should all visit 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  36. jillyfunnell Avatar
    jillyfunnell

    This is such a clever story, Iain, deceptively simple because you have deftly packed a huge amount of information into one hundred words. And the close is just elegant.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Jilly, much appreciated.

      Like

      Reply
  37. Russell Avatar
    Russell

    A sad tale with a touch of hope. Well told Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Russell

      Like

      Reply
  38. lisarey1990 Avatar
    lisarey1990

    A wonderful story of contrasting feelings. Well-written.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lisa

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  39. Rowena Avatar
    Rowena

    Well told, Iain.. I was talking to my husband last night about the possibility of our kids being exchange students, and my husband asked where they would go. I immediately crossed USA off the list, but we thought Canada might be okay. So, I could get the idea of people ending up in Montreal.
    Meanwhile, I live just North of Sydney almost at the beach. So, you’re all invited to my place if the end comes. I think it’s a better bet.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Ha, thanks Rowena, will keep that in mind if needed! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Rowena Avatar
        Rowena

        Hopefully, not. Quite a few people have moved to Australia since the 60s fearing a nuclear attack and so far so good.

        Liked by 1 person

  40. Dawn M. Miller Avatar
    Dawn M. Miller

    Thank goodness for the Canadians!
    Clever enjoyable read.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Absolutely! Thanks Dawn

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  41. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    Such a good tale, giving us the present situation with allusions to the past and the threat of the future. So well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Sarah Ann

      Like

      Reply
  42. PamelaS.Canepa, Writing and Living Avatar
    PamelaS.Canepa, Writing and Living

    I like it! A little hint of dystopianism.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Pamela

      Like

      Reply

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