FOR HIRE

~ Iain Kelly

Exhausted, dehydrated and sunburnt, they let the tide sweep them in for the final nautical mile.

They slouched on their recliners and held hands.

‘We made it,’ he said, ‘I told you we could.’

‘Four months on this contraption. Next year, let’s have a walking holiday,’ she replied.

On the shore, the gathered crowd awaited – the media, family, friends and interested spectators.

The journey of the couple attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean on their sunbathing recliners had captured the imagination of the world.

It had started by accident when the tide and wind had blown them out from Blackpool Pleasure Beach, England. Now they approached Boston Harbour, USA.

Terry Roberts, owner of ‘Pleasure Beach Recliners for Hire’ stood amongst the crowd. He had flown over the day before.

The recliners bumped onto the jetty, family and medical staff rushed forward. As the exhausted couple were helped through the media scrum, Terry saw his chance.

He waved the bill in their faces: ‘£10 for every 15 minutes,’ he explained, ‘that’s £432,000 you owe.’

The bedraggled couple stared at him dumbly, Terry pressed on.

‘Plus a £20 late return fee.’

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Copyright Susan Spaulding

Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Susan Spaulding. For more details visit HERE.

To read more of the stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

Published by Iain Kelly

39 year old writer, avid film viewer and book reader, employed in the media industry as a television editor.

50 thoughts on “FOR HIRE”

  13. Can someone please push Terry in the drink? I don’t care if he can’t swim. Hell be demanding the cost of his flight and accommodation next.

    Liked by 1 person

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  15. Nice fiction. Great twist at the end. I think they should sue the owner / renter of raft for being blown away. Why did he not go searching and what right he has to charge them for late payment.

    Liked by 2 people

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  17. Cool tale, but the logic part of my brain immediately asked what they ate and drank for four months. 😸 But that rental guy, Terry, is a right idiot. He could have made so much money if he had congratulated them and emphasized to the press the quality of the beach recliners he carried..He had to be an arse, instead.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. You are right Barb, as this was a lighter piece I deliberately ignored the real world logistics involved – perhaps they had a support boat with them once they decided to keep going across the ocean!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  21. four months is a way long.. and their next expedition is by walk.. wonder how adventurous it would be. gosh! the bill! plus the mean late fee..

    Liked by 1 person

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