LAUNCH DAY

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.


photo-20180813154622339
Copyright Ted Strutz

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”

    1. I know, it’s not even really fiction!

      Liked by 1 person

  1. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    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.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Ha, thanks Michael, smartphones are good for some things, like keeping up to date with blogs without having to be on a laptop!

      Like

      1. michael1148humphris Avatar
        michael1148humphris

        That is true, Iain. But at the present time, I prefer my trusty old iPad, as no one can ring it. .😉

        Liked by 2 people

  2. 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!

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Not far from reality. Great story!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Unfortunately not! Thanks 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I know, like you can buy it anytime…

      Like

  5. Nice take from a different angle. Instead of camping outside the store, you can take the first ferry.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So long as you don’t get stuck in the queue for the ferry! Thanks.

      Like

  6. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. If only they just gave you one for free…

      Like

  7. Good one — definitely a “show, don’t tell” tale. The generation gap in 175 words or less. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Hahha.. Nice one and more ever true

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Generational gap, that’s what it is. Good bringing in the difference through the latest toy boy. Lovely story, Kelly.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Such relatable story Iain. Too good!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Shivangi 🙂

      Like

  11. This is worse than your usual doomsday scenarios Iain, those I can still live with 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Because this one is true!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. This one’s so real and successfully brought a smile to my face

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Sonia, glad it gave you a smile 🙂

      Like

  13. And then another line at the store and another ferry line to get home 😦 The horn honking part was hilarious!

    Ellespeth

    Liked by 1 person

  14. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m just glad I’ve never desired Apple products, it would bankrupt me!

      Liked by 1 person

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