Iain Kelly

ROLE REVERSAL

Ironing done, dinner cooking. Time to put the kettle on and rest for ten minutes before she got home.

It was hard work keeping his house in order, not that the women who ran the world understood. Just because he didn’t go out to work, didn’t mean he wasn’t working.

Just as he sat down the baby woke with a gurgle and a cough and the inevitable cry. Up he got.

It was never ending. He just needed a break, some space, time to himself for once…

Geoff woke with a start and wiped sweat from his brow. What a nightmare.

vintage-kitchen-tools-valerie-barrett
Copyright Valerie J. Barrett

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.

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My novel, ‘A Justified State,’ is available now
‘a first class read from start to finish’ – reader review
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Iain Kelly

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99 responses to “ROLE REVERSAL”

  1. radhikasreflection Avatar
    radhikasreflection

    Haha! A good one Iain. Loved the punch the ending carried. Never under estimate the work of a homemaker ☺️

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Absolutely, thank you 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  2. Colline Avatar
    Colline

    For a moment I thought I was reading about an alternate state. Good one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Colline, that was my plan – how different things could be!

      Like

      Reply
  3. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    I sometimes think the breadwinner has the easy option! Nice one Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s certainly nice to be able to escape for a few hours of peace at work! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. joyroses13 Avatar
    joyroses13

    Love this! Great job! I still rememeber the days my husband came home from work and 6 kids under the age of 5 were running around and he would just look at me wondering how I was still sane. LOL! They were our 2 kids and our neighbor’s 4 kids. Our children became best friends, but they were definitely some wild years!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I do the same when I get home to my wife and our twins! Thank you Joy 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. joyroses13 Avatar
        joyroses13

        Oh wow! You guys have your hands full with twins!
        My pleasure! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  5. ceayr Avatar
    ceayr

    Fortunately, Iain, it seems the ladies are much more capable at this than we mere men😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      They do say stereotypes have a certain amount of basis in truth…

      Like

      Reply
  6. Tannille Avatar
    Tannille

    Think it would be difficult for anyone. Odds are it won’t be his fate but at least he might have empathy.
    Wait for the labour pain… 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Haha, that’s one nightmare he will want to avoid 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. magickmermaid Avatar
    magickmermaid

    Great story! I hope Geoff keeps this in mind during waking hours 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, I’m sure he will! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    I hope that Geoff woke to be a more understanding and helpful husband. At least he could wake up from it. 😉 Well written.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Rochelle, I think he may well learn to appreciate his wife more 😉

      Like

      Reply
  9. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    Ha a nightmare indeed,

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Michael

      Like

      Reply
  10. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    I hope Geoff now takes a fairer share of the housework! Nice gentle humour, Iain; I enjoyed it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Penny, much appreciated 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  11. pensitivity101 Avatar
    pensitivity101

    Good story Iain, though for some it’s a reality they don’t mind. Glad Hubby and I like to share the housework etc!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Di

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    Let’s hope he now has a fuller appreciation of both their roles in the household. Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Sandra

      Like

      Reply
  13. Kalpana Solsi Avatar
    Kalpana Solsi

    The role reversal should make him realize that housekeeping isn’t easy. and he has realized it.
    good take on the prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  14. scr4pl80 Avatar
    scr4pl80

    LOL great one, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Janet 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar
    Na’ama Yehuda

    Ha ha! Fantastic role reversal.
    I think more men (at least, more enlightened men) are becoming aware of the realities women had been expected to juggle all these centuries … but there are still many who are absolutely totally clueless … even in ‘modern’ countries.
    They should read your little story … 😉
    Na’ama

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you – I agree, some get it, more should!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar
        Na’ama Yehuda

        🙂 In time … It is a short history of women having any rights, especially when measured against millennia of oppression and control and minimization. Change takes time, and we are barely into a half-century of it, if that, and with much push back already, and many countries where even the first steps hadn’t yet been taken … With time …

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar
    Brenda’s Thoughts

    I really enjoyed this one and the last line was perfect! =)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Brenda – it does seem to have been popular with the female readers this week! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. Sadje Avatar
    Sadje

    This is brilliant! I hope men realize how lucky they are.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Sadje – some do, more should 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sadje Avatar
        Sadje

        Yes more should.

        Liked by 1 person

  18. msjadeli Avatar
    msjadeli

    “Egalia’s Daughters” is a novel with all traditional gender roles flipped. You might enjoy it. Probably not though 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It may give me nightmares like Geoff 😉

      Like

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

    It sounds like he is on the verge of understanding… maybe it’s time he did some housework before it all explodes.

    Like

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      You think he would have got it by now!

      Like

      Reply
  20. Nobbinmaug Avatar
    Nobbinmaug

    That’s my life, except it’s three dogs instead of a baby, and I don’t cook.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I hope you have someone who appreciates all you do 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Nobbinmaug Avatar
        Nobbinmaug

        I’m the appreciative one. I appreciate that she works and lets me live in her house and stay home to write.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. notestowomen Avatar
    notestowomen

    LOL. However, his nightmare is the reality for some men.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very true. Thanks.

      Like

      Reply
  22. Abhijit Ray Avatar
    Abhijit Ray

    Roll reversal is not easy to accept, is it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It can be an eye opener!

      Like

      Reply
  23. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Haha, poor Geoff 🙂
    Maybe (if he has a wife who takes care of things at home) this will teach him to appreciate her all the more!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I certainly hope so!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. Vernon Avatar
    Vernon

    With more experience comes more tolerance and patience.

    We feel more compassionate rather than judgmental, for we now know just exactly how much pain those little ones can cause.

    Nice work!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Vernon

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    Satire at its most classic, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neil

      Like

      Reply
  26. Liz Young Avatar
    Liz Young

    Maybe he’ll have more empathy after that dream?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      You would hope so. Thanks Liz

      Like

      Reply
  27. Anita Avatar
    Anita

    Women have to live through that ‘nightmare’ everyday.
    But, some men have chosen this life and role-reversal too!
    Keeping a house in order is really tough.

    Three Musketeers – Anita

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Anita

      Like

      Reply
  28. David Stewart Avatar
    David Stewart

    What a nightmare indeed. Sometimes I envy my sister with four kids, a lot of times I don’t. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I feel the same about my wife and our kids! 😉

      Like

      Reply
  29. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    he must be relieved that it’s just a dream. for what it’s worth, it gives him an idea what every homemaker has to go through everyday. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Hopefully he understands a bit better now!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  30. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    As a dad of twins, I’m thinking you know of what you speak!!
    Good one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Oh yes, it is written from experience this one! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  31. aheartforafrica641064503 Avatar
    aheartforafrica641064503

    Nice one, Iain. Now he has an idea of what it’s like to be a homemaker.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Hopefully he will empathise more now!

      Like

      Reply
  32. DB McNicol Avatar
    DB McNicol

    Nice twist, Iain!

    https://authorshutterbug.wordpress.com/2019/06/13/fridayfictioneers-the-fortuneteller/

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you DB

      Like

      Reply
  33. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Brilliantly done. Role reversal for the ages. Well done. And good to see happening with some fabulous families

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Laurie, glad you liked it 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  34. patriciaruthsusan Avatar
    patriciaruthsusan

    Ah, ha, ha. This was both funny and well written, Iain. That would no doubt be a nightmare for many husbands. 😀 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Suzanne, glad you enjoyed it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  35. kzmcb Avatar
    kzmcb

    I really enjoyed this. Punchy and plausible. Maybe we were on a similar theme, though, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  36. Woman walking Max Avatar
    Woman walking Max

    Cleverly done Iain. for the first few lines, I assumed he was a woman. A witty way to consider gender roles. Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, glad you spotted my intention 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  37. James McEwan Avatar
    James McEwan

    “” and rest for ten minutes before she got home”” these few words added a sinsiter element for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks, good spot, I wanted to hint at a domineering, even abusive spouse. Glad you picked up on it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  38. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    Oh, Iain, this is a total treasure. The world turned upside down, for sure.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Linda 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  39. gahlearner Avatar
    gahlearner

    Don’t we wish it were real? Next night he dreams of having to work and do the housework, and tend to the kid while his wife feels she deserves rest. And the night following he’ll dream of being a single parent… And men in general can do everything women do and vice versa. Most men just don’t see the need to change things. Good one, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, fortunately I think many men’s attitudes are changing, but it will take time 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. gahlearner Avatar
        gahlearner

        That’s true. A lot has changed over the years. More needed, but there’s hope.

        Liked by 1 person

  40. magarisa Avatar
    magarisa

    To me, that would also be a nightmare… I admire homemakers who do so much and manage to stay sane! Nice one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  41. magarisa Avatar
    magarisa

    I forgot to mention that I finally posted a brief review of your novel:

    A Justified State: A Thriller by Iain Kelly

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much for taking the time and so pleased you enjoyed the novel. Halfway through the sequel so far 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. magarisa Avatar
        magarisa

        You’re welcome. Glad to hear that! ☺

        Liked by 1 person

  42. Kelley Farrell Avatar
    Kelley Farrell

    Ha! Poor guy. Good one Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Kelley

      Like

      Reply
  43. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    lol Funnily enough I just read a similar scene in a book where the father had to deal with his three children for a day. Quite an awakening. Well done! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Sascha

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  44. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    A big shock for him, I’m sure. Isn’t it funny how household tasks cause such problems in relationships. I think they should put that in pre-nuptial contracts, never mind the financial arrangements. I love this story – poor Geoff.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It would keep everyone right if it was written down in law! Thanks Margaret

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  45. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    Excellent role reversal there, Iain. Parenthood’s tough, no matter how you cut it. Great take on the prompt

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lynn 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  46. michaelwynnauthor Avatar
    michaelwynnauthor

    Haha, very relatable Iain. Fortunately for me, we had ours before the world had changed too much. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Lucky you! 😉

      Like

      Reply

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