They were about ten cars from the front now. They should get a space on the next ferry. They watched the lucky ones on the departing ship disappear from view.
‘How long have we got?’
She glanced at her watch. ‘Half an hour. We should make it.’
‘Any word from Artie?’
‘They made it across. They’re joining the queue now.’
Behind them an exasperated driver honked their car horn.
‘What good is that going to do?’
‘Don’t make a fuss,’ she warned him.
‘Every year it’s the same. Why don’t they put on extra ferries?’
‘Apple don’t control the ferry transport service,’ she paused. ‘Yet.’
A returning ferry came into view.
‘Next year,’ he said, ‘we’re crossing to the mainland the day before and camping outside the store.’
‘How many times, son? It’s just a ‘phone.’
He rolled his eyes at her. ‘You old people will never understand.’
She looked at the people around her on the crowded jetty. No, she never would understand.

Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story or poem in around 150 – 175 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.
To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
36 responses to “LAUNCH DAY”
LOL I believe it!
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I know, it’s not even really fiction!
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No oldies like myself, may never understand, the sheer desire to own the lastest phone… I however just have to have access to the latest flash fiction, and you did not disappoint me.
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Ha, thanks Michael, smartphones are good for some things, like keeping up to date with blogs without having to be on a laptop!
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That is true, Iain. But at the present time, I prefer my trusty old iPad, as no one can ring it. .😉
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Hahahaha! What parents will do for their children! LOL! Going across the ferry to stand in line for the new Apple Smartphone! Great story, Iain!
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Thank you PJ
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Not far from reality. Great story!
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Unfortunately not! Thanks 🙂
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Hilarious, but true!
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Afraid so! 🙂
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LOL. Lovely take.
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Thank you
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Unfortunate, but true. I don’t get the whole thing of camping outside a store on the very first night though. Our generation needs to get our priorities right.
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I know, like you can buy it anytime…
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Nice take from a different angle. Instead of camping outside the store, you can take the first ferry.
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So long as you don’t get stuck in the queue for the ferry! Thanks.
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For over a week, the screen on my iPhone had been increasingly bulging out. I finally took it into the local Genius Bar and was told the battery was expanding. They gave me a brand new phone for the price of a battery. Sweet.
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If only they just gave you one for free…
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Good one — definitely a “show, don’t tell” tale. The generation gap in 175 words or less. 🙂
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Thanks Christine
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Hahha.. Nice one and more ever true
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Thank you
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[…] Launch Day by Lain Kelly […]
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Generational gap, that’s what it is. Good bringing in the difference through the latest toy boy. Lovely story, Kelly.
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Thanks Neel
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Such relatable story Iain. Too good!
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Thank you Shivangi 🙂
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This is worse than your usual doomsday scenarios Iain, those I can still live with 🙂
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Because this one is true!
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This one’s so real and successfully brought a smile to my face
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Thank you Sonia, glad it gave you a smile 🙂
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And then another line at the store and another ferry line to get home 😦 The horn honking part was hilarious!
Ellespeth
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Thanks Ellespeth
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I am so glad I have never been a wanter, and don’t have any to please either. The tension in this is great, getting in both of the character’s stressful feelings.
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I’m just glad I’ve never desired Apple products, it would bankrupt me!
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