BOB’S LAST DAY AT WORK

~ Iain Kelly

‘Welcome to the EMIRATES Spinnaker Tower, as I legally have to call it.’

‘It was going to be opened in 2000 and be named the Millennium Tower, but due to political ineptitude, it didn’t open until 2005, so was renamed ‘Spinnaker’, a type of sail.’

‘The tower sits on Gunwharf Quay. In the 18th-century it was an ordnance yard, supplying the Navy with armaments. Now it supplies Portsmouth residents with over-priced consumer goods and refreshments.’

‘From here you can see the English Channel, which separates us from those godawful Europeans, whom we are apparently far superior to.’

‘Enjoy your visit.’

jill-f
Copyright Jilly Funell

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.

Unlike Bob’s cynical tour, Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth is an impressive structure and well worth a visit – Wikipedia.

Published by Iain Kelly

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

102 thoughts on “BOB’S LAST DAY AT WORK”

    1. A definite trend among a lot of these big structures – years of planning and political incompetence, but somehow they get there in the end – see The O2 Arena / Millennium Dome as another prime example. At least this one was worth waiting for 🙂

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  5. LOL!! I was thinking when I read the title that maybe it was his last day because of getting murdered. Must still have your last post in mind of the hand waving bye! 🙂
    Glad he is still alive and obviously he is not shy about speaking his true feelings. 🙂

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    1. Thanks Neel – Be prepared, Brexit and the fallout is going to last at least another couple of years – I’ll try to not write about it in every story!! 🙂

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  16. It’s rantier than mine, but who doesn’t enjoy a good rant. Speaking of which … that bloody Theresa May! Don’t get me started. And the wee orange bampot in the White House. Nuff said

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    1. In other stories for other prompts I realise I have been going on about politics far too much. I need to find a different topic to take my mind off it all!

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  18. Ouch! I wonder how many people actually see through their intention to get something like this off their chests on their last day. Strangely, the photo reminded me of a visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, when we were looked after by the best guide I’ve ever met at any attraction. I can’t imagine him doing a Bob.
    I enjoyed your take on the prompt Iain.

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  21. I’ve always wanted to go out in a blaze of glory like Bob. My theater group used to brain storm, on a long drive to a gig, what we’d like to do at our very last ever performance. Not for the faint of heart. 🙂 This made me think of those times, and laugh at Bob’s chutzpah!

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  25. hahaha – that is funny that wiki said:

    Unlike Bob’s cynical tour, Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth is an impressive structure and well worth a visit

    and really clever way to expound on that for your fiction
    – still laughing.

    and we took a boat tour in June and the host on the loudspeaker was bias and opinionated and it is really funny when this happens.

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  26. I don’t think Bob’s heart is really in it 🙂
    I would have set my story in Portsmouth if I’d recognised the structure. Why is almost everything in this country sponsored by Emirates? I don’t even know what “Emirates” is…

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  27. As you say, somehow they get there in the end but what amazing incompetence. Maybe those involved shouldn’t start off thinking they are all-powerful. A bit of humble in the pie would be welcome. But Bob, oh I love Bob. Who wouldn’t want to let loose like that on the last day. Go Bob!

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  28. Last day of work freed Bob’s tongue to speak his mind. I’ve had those moments when I ached to just say what I thought!! I could feel Bob’s angst, maybe he was fired so he thought, “Why not?” Well-written as always!

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  29. Iain, it’s interesting how different ones of us see something different in the photo and what that’s about. I decided to focus more on the stairs and only noticed the sail shape after reading a few of the responses. Bit concerned about Bob’s mindset. Sounds like the type who’d go abroad and complain about the foreigners.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

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    Reply

  33. I like the tone of your story, a sort of world weariness, some cynicism perhaps about how things are. Do the Emirates own the Spinnaker ? Bet Bob is counting the minutes til he leaves. Topical stuff Iain- well done

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  37. Before I begin my comment, I wanted to give you 5 stars for having so many comments. It is a testament to your writing. Your descriptive account presented in such an enjoyable way. I felt like I had taken a tour of a historical place. Wonderful 👍
    Isadora 😎

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