Iain Kelly

Fiction Writing

THE UMBRELLAS OF NEW YORK

Wind blew through the trees, blowing the snow up from the ground, gusting around Guy’s face. He pulled his collar up further.

Across the park he watched Madeline, her bright green umbrella luminous against the white background. Their daughter, Francis, gleefully skipped around her.

‘She’s moved on, married someone else, she’s happy. Leave them be.’

But he couldn’t. He hadn’t survived that hell to come back and find he had lost everything after all.

He inhaled a deep breath of cold air and stepped forward.

Snow swirled round the limping figure as he crossed the space between them.

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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.

The photo could only remind me of the wonderful film ‘Umbrellas of Cherbourg,‘ so I couldn’t resist a rewriting of that film’s ending.

image

Iain Kelly

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113 responses to “THE UMBRELLAS OF NEW YORK”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    A poignant tale, Iain. We can only guess at what he intends, but the outcome can’t be good

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      A pessimist, Neil?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Reena Saxena Avatar
    Reena Saxena

    Suspense in the air!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Reena, what shall happen next?

      Like

      Reply
      1. Reena Saxena Avatar
        Reena Saxena

        Drama, for sure 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  3. syncwithdeep Avatar
    syncwithdeep

    is he gonna take revenge?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Everyone has such sinister thoughts! Perhaps he wishes to reconcile, express his love! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. syncwithdeep Avatar
        syncwithdeep

        hope he unites 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Joe Owens Avatar
    Joe Owens

    Oh Iain you’ve spun a perplexing beginning with so many potential story lines, well done my man!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Joe, much appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Joe Owens Avatar
        Joe Owens

        This is one of the things about the 100 word platform I enjoy as a writer, spinning just enough of the tale to draw in the reader, but allowing them to drive the story starting on word 101.

        Liked by 2 people

  5. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    Something bad is about to happen – or maybe not. Intriguing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Everyone seems to think it’s going to end badly…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    I love that we both went for films, I will have to watch The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      An acquired taste Michael, but well worth looking up.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. jillyfunnell Avatar
    jillyfunnell

    I hope he’s careful about what he does next. Sometimes it’s better to walk away. Intriguing story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Jilly. the original film ends that way, but who knows..!

      Like

      Reply
  8. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    I caught the reference. Nice imagery in this piece.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, a gem of a film.

      Like

      Reply
  9. Abhijit Ray Avatar
    Abhijit Ray

    How does he know he has lost everything? His wife and daughters still alive. Hope he doesn’t do anything foolish.

    Like

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Not his wife Abhijit, Madeline has had his child, but has moved on to be with another man.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Abhijit Ray Avatar
        Abhijit Ray

        Does he know that?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        Yes he does, so what choice should he make?

        Like

  10. pensitivity101 Avatar
    pensitivity101

    Thinking Cast Away with Tom Hanks and Helen Hunt where she married someone else.
    Haven’t seen the film you mention though.
    I’m optimistic that once she gets over the shock of seeing him, they can reach a compromise for Madeline’s sake if nothing else Depends on her new husband of course..

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Di – a film worth looking out for if you ever get the chance. A similar idea – she moves on after he fails to return from war, only for him to then reappear.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. pensitivity101 Avatar
        pensitivity101

        Need tissues?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        A little, but all done as a musical – not a typical musical though, no big bombastic numbers, but even the dialogue is sung. You kind of have to see it to understand, it’s quite different from any other film I know of!

        Like

      3. pensitivity101 Avatar
        pensitivity101

        I’ve seen something in a similar format.

        Like

  11. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    Can’t imagine where this is going. Not familiar with the movie. At any rate, I’m a romantic and desire a happy ending. Nicely done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      You appear to be one of the few romantics commenting today, I’m glad someone is imagining a happy ending for them 🙂 If you ever find a copy, well worth a watch for something different.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    Good, tense writing, Iain. The contrast between the daughter’s glee, the gaiety of the umbrella, and the limping, monochrome figure is made stark by your decision to set the story in a snowy park.
    I’m afraid I can’t see a happy outcome. If he’d wanted to attempt a reconciliation, he would surely have made a prior arrangement? If he wanted to negotiate access to his daughter he would have done it in an office with a lawyer present. As it is we must just hope that nobody is physically harmed.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Penny, I can see I’m going to have to work harder to appeal to the romantics looking for a happy ending! 😉

      Like

      Reply
  13. Kalpana Solsi Avatar
    Kalpana Solsi

    seeing them happy , he may move on in life. time heals wounds.

    https://ideasolsi65.blogspot.com/2018/09/low-spirits.html

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Perhaps he will.

      Like

      Reply
  14. JS Brand Avatar
    JS Brand

    I don’t know the film Iain, but your story has me thinking it’s worth finding out more. Well told.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, if you fancy something a bit different, definitely one to look for.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    I have not seen the film… but somehow I think he will be positively surprised.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think there is a chance it could all end well.

      Like

      Reply
  16. Alice Audrey Avatar
    Alice Audrey

    I’ve never heard of that movie. I’ll have to check it out.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Please do, well worth it.

      Like

      Reply
  17. lisarey1990 Avatar
    lisarey1990

    Very suspenseful!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Lisa

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    If she really is already married, then this can’t have a happily ever after ending. But if not, there could be some wonderful possibilities.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      A friendship, a connection with his daughter, even if she is married? You’re not buying it… 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. granonine Avatar
        granonine

        Of course there should be a relationship with his daughter. Not sure there could or should be between him and his wife who is no longer his wife. Lots of complicated emotions and tension there.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        Definitely complicated!

        Liked by 1 person

  19. BarbCT Avatar
    BarbCT

    Was he reported KIA? I hope he at least gets to see his daughter regularly, although I wouldn’t be surprised if his return upsets her current marriage.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      That is the premise of the original film and what I had in mind, yes. His return is bound to cause a stir, for better or worse.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. Priya Avatar
    Priya

    I am intrigued. I will try to find the movie. Limping figure does suggest that something untoward is about to happen.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, funny that that little detail seems to have swayed people towards the negative outcome.

      Like

      Reply
  21. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    i’m hoping for a positive outcome considering… i’m an optimist.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Quite right 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Lovely take, Iain. I, for one, choose to think he wants to close the gap, if only to become friends again and have contact with his daughter in a more loving way…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      That would be the ideal, if not the most dramatic, outcome! Thanks dale.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. subroto Avatar
    subroto

    Thanks for giving the context, any movie with Catherine Deneuve is already worth watching. Nicely done. I think he wants to reconnect as a friend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you – she is wonderful to watch.

      Like

      Reply
  24. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    I wonder if Frances even knows about him? I hope he’s not about to set the cat among the pigeons…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I suspect she may not, and perhaps they will hide that truth from her…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. Anshu Bhojnagarwala Avatar
    Anshu Bhojnagarwala

    Seems like a post war story!! Touches the heart – so many families get broken because of these stupid wars. Madeline is happily married now – let bygones be bygones!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It is indeed post-war, but does he not deserve to see his daughter?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Anshu Bhojnagarwala Avatar
        Anshu Bhojnagarwala

        He does, but not to disrupt the life of his ex-wife. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  26. Anshu Bhojnagarwala Avatar
    Anshu Bhojnagarwala

    Seems like a post war story!! Touches the heart – so many families get broken because of these stupid wars. Madeline is happily married now – let bygones be bygones!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  27. spicedmullings Avatar
    spicedmullings

    Poor guy.
    Wonder if he is a war veteran!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      That was the feeling I wanted to present.

      Like

      Reply
      1. spicedmullings Avatar
        spicedmullings

        👍

        Liked by 1 person

  28. liz young Avatar
    liz young

    This is definitely the start of a longer story – one I would love to read.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Liz

      Like

      Reply
  29. StuHN Avatar
    StuHN

    It sucks to be presumed dead, and then officially dead, only to resurface. War is hell. Hell continues for the survivors.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It can only be disheartening to find everyone has moved on.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  30. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar
    Brenda’s Thoughts

    An intriguing and sad story, it left me wondering about so many things. He’d been through so much only to find she’d moved on. I watched the trailer for The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, now I’ll have to watch it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Do enjoy it you can track down a copy, well worth it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  31. Dawn M. Miller Avatar
    Dawn M. Miller

    IDK the movie but you’ve certainly made it sound lovely!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It is a wonderful film 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. Woman walking Max Avatar
    Woman walking Max

    I really like the way you have ‘crafted’ the story-line – not a word wasted, to achieve a vivid and gripping sequence of events. As others have said, it ends with a cliff hanger… what will he do ? Good writing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much, very much appreciated.

      Like

      Reply
  33. Russell Gayer Avatar
    Russell Gayer

    I like the open ending–and I’m an optimist.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Good, there seem to be few around among the FriFic writers!

      Like

      Reply
  34. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Oooooo and then… gosh I want to know!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Laurie 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  35. 4963andypop Avatar
    4963andypop

    The comments helped explain my question: what hell was he coming from. I wasnt sure when i read it whether the limping figure was the returned soldier, presumed dead, or if it was another more malignant chacter. I was convinced the soldiers intentions were good, personally.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Glad you thought his intentions were good 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  36. Piyali Avatar
    Piyali

    I think he’s just going to tell her that he still misses her. After that, he would just go on his way but not before wishing her well. That’s it, a bittersweet ending 🙂 I like the emotional connect your story had.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I like your ending 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Piyali Avatar
        Piyali

        You did? Thank you 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  37. Vivian Zems Avatar
    Vivian Zems

    This is full of intrigue. You set a poignant scene there. I was holding my breath… and will have to imagine how it all ends.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I’d love to know what you think happens next. thanks for reading 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  38. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    Very suspenseful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Jennie, hope you are well 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        You’re welcome, Iain. All is well. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  39. James McEwan Avatar
    James McEwan

    Like all the snippets in our lives, there are bigger stories behind the words. Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you James

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  40. Jennifer Kennedy Avatar
    Jennifer Kennedy

    Ooh this is really intriguing! Great write Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Jennifer 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  41. Russell Avatar
    Russell

    Never saw the movie, but a powerful scene all the same. I can’t help but think everyone would be better served if he walked away though. However unfair that may be.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Oh, perhaps, although in later life if the daughter ever found out about her true father it may have consequences.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Russell Avatar
        Russell

        Oh, I think I misunderstood! I thought that the girl in the story was a spouse/lover from before. Daughter changes things!

        Maybe I should watch the movie.

        Liked by 1 person

  42. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar
    theministryofshrawleywalks

    Nice, it’s left me wondering what? Then I saw the unbrellas of Cherbourg refand made me want to seek it out! Thanks, as if I’ve got any spare time!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s only an hour and a half, so a short film at least 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  43. JoHawkTheWriter Avatar
    JoHawkTheWriter

    Back from the dead is a difficult new beginning with little space for a happy ending for everyone. Certainly a lot of storytelling opportunities with this one Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, yes it could go several ways!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  44. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    Great pictures of people and umbrellas dancing against the snow. I imagine wife and child will be shocked and then pleased to have him back. Only time will tell if they can make a go of it after so long.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think time and no sudden decisions may be the key. Thanks Sarah Ann.

      Like

      Reply
  45. Dahlia Avatar
    Dahlia

    I haven’t heard of the movie but i loved the possibilities here and that he was willing to take the risk 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  46. elappleby Avatar
    elappleby

    I haven’t seen the film but I love the way this starts off looking like a happy family snapshot and the second half reveals his sadness and isolation. Brilliant.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much.

      Like

      Reply
  47. Ellie Scott Avatar
    Ellie Scott

    So much emotion in a short little scene! Wonderful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much Ellie

      Like

      Reply
  48. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    I know that the movie was a three-part love story, which I’ve never seen. (And, I only know that because when I saw umbrella the title came to me and I looked it up. 🙂 )

    I have to presume that he’s come back from war and still loves his wife. What else to do other than make yourself and your love known?

    Well done, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      That’s it, make it known and see where the chips fall! Thanks Sascha.

      Like

      Reply
  49. Fatima Fakier Avatar
    Fatima Fakier

    Cliffhanger! Sometimes it is better to walk away, but I understand his need for closure or answers or that something to move on with.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Fatima.

      Like

      Reply
  50. Anand Bose Avatar
    Anand Bose

    Interesting story. Anand Bose from Kerala

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Anand 🙂

      Like

      Reply

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