PARENTAL SUPPORT

~ Iain Kelly

‘Thank you,’ he accepted the coins. Not much, but another sale. The tourist trade was still slow.

He started on another picture. Bright red, purple, yellow, swirling together.

A shadow cast over the paper. He looked up.

She offered him an apologetic smile. ‘That looks wonderful. Can I put it on our living room wall?’

‘What will he say?’

‘Perhaps we can get him to change is mind.’

He handed it to his mother and watched her walk away through the market.

Maybe it would convince his father that being an artist was a suitable career choice, but he doubted it.

Copyright Brenda Fox

Written for Friday Fictioneers 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.

Happy New Year to all. I hope everyone is well and managed to enjoy a break over the holidays. Here’s to 2022 being a better year for all!

Published by Iain Kelly

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

65 thoughts on “PARENTAL SUPPORT”

  8. Thought-provoking as always. My father never changed and unfortunately didn’t live long enough to see my first novel published. One thing: I had to reread it to understand that “What will he say?” wasn’t a musing by the author to the reader but actual dialogue, and the ‘he’ did not refer to the boy. Partly it was the near invisibility of the single quote marks, but perhaps with the signifier “he said”. Or if the ‘he’ had been emphasized, maybe just with italics (which I can’t seem to do here!) In other words, “What will HE say?” Just a thought. But a very poignant image.

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  11. Sounds complicated; unfortunately parents often set themselves up for disappointment when they try to push their expectations onto their children. I’m glad he’s still following his passion. Dad needs to wisen up.

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  14. I’m sure his father wants only the best for him. But sometimes it’s hard, as a parent, to see that your ‘best’ may not be ‘the best’ for your child. Good one, Iain.

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  16. I was so very dissuaded from art when I was in High School, though at the time I was very good at architectural and mechanical drawing. “No place for women” I was told. So, I went into social services… Now, I’m getting back to my art later in life. Sigh… And I often wonder what if….?

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  18. I read, long ago, a biography of an artist who was punished when he was a child for wasting time, charcoal, and paper on his early efforts. He became famous. But I don’t remember who it was 🙂

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  19. Dear Iain,

    Sadly the artist all too often is discounted by those closest to them. Often, art is looked upon as a mere hobby, nothing to devote one’s life to. I wish my parents could see what I’m doing in my latter years. At least the artist’s mother in your story appreciates his work enough to put it in a prominent place. Perhaps she’ll promote him that way. Nicely done. And good to see you here this week. 😀

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Thanks Rochelle. Isn’t it amazing how often creative work is not seen as work at all. Like when people seem surprised that you would rather they paid a little money to read an author’s book…! Always good to be here Rochelle.

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  22. I love the subtle reference to the shadow over his work and I hope his effort is sincerely welcomed at home – how sad to share your life with somebody who doesn’t welcome talent into the house.

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    1. It must be tricky though, perhaps the father is right in a sense if there is no I come to be had, he needs to find a paying job alongside his passion. Thanks Jilly.

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  23. A parent’s support and affirmation is something we all desire, I think. He’s brave to go and seek a life that his father does not approve of. Hopefully, in the end, his father will come around. A sad yet lovely story, Iain!

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  26. Wow… so subtle but the family attitudes really come through here so strongly. His mother’s need to support him compared to his father’s attitude that it is not good enough all expressed in so few words. Nicely done Iain.

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  28. i want to believe that parents only want what’s good for their children but the reality is that they can only lead them to a certain extent. no one can really be sure how they’d finally turn out in the future.

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  29. My character had teacher support. Let’s hope for a father substitute if father doesn’t do it. I doubt many fathers are aching to see their sons become artists. Fathers want stability for children. Good story. I as surprised at the mother appearance.

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