IAIN KELLY

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. scr4pl80 Avatar

    LOL I believe it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I know, it’s not even really fiction!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. 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. Iain Kelly Avatar

      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

  3. Priceless Joy Avatar

    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

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you PJ

      Liked by 1 person

  4. J.A. Prentice Avatar

    Not far from reality. Great story!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Unfortunately not! Thanks 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Reena Saxena Avatar

    Hilarious, but true!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Afraid so! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. yarnspinnerr Avatar

    LOL. Lovely take.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Varad Avatar

    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. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I know, like you can buy it anytime…

      Like

  8. abhiray59 Avatar
    abhiray59

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

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

      Like

  9. James Avatar

    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. Iain Kelly Avatar

      If only they just gave you one for free…

      Like

  10. Christine Goodnough Avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Christine

      Like

  11. syncwithdeep Avatar
    syncwithdeep

    Hahha.. Nice one and more ever true

    Liked by 1 person

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

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  13. Shivangi Avatar

    Such relatable story Iain. Too good!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Shivangi 🙂

      Like

  14. anuragbakhshi Avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Because this one is true!

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Sonia Chatterjee Avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Sonia, glad it gave you a smile 🙂

      Like

  16. Ellespeth Avatar

    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

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Ellespeth

      Like

  17. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    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. Iain Kelly Avatar

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

      Liked by 1 person

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