IAIN KELLY

PARENTAL SUPPORT

‘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!

65 responses to “PARENTAL SUPPORT”

  1. Liz H Avatar
    Liz H

    It’s so important, isn’t it?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It certainly is. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Sadje Avatar
    Sadje

    Lovely post

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Sadje, hope you are well.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sadje Avatar
        Sadje

        You’re welcome! Thanks Iain, I am.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Vartika Avatar
    Vartika

    Good story.. I like it

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Anita Avatar
    Anita

    Talent needs support and appreciation.
    Glad that his mother understood. Father will eventually, I hope.
    True story for many.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Let’s hope so. Thanks Anita.

      Like

      Reply
  5. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    But, But. She didn’t pay!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I’ve found that parents seem to assume this!

      Like

      Reply
  6. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    It’s good that he has his mother’s support. I share his doubts as to whether his father will be convinced but we can always hope.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      You never know. Thanks Penny. Hope you are well.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. pennygadd51 Avatar
        pennygadd51

        Thank you, Iain, yes I’m well. I hope you are likewise.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. pensitivity101 Avatar
    pensitivity101

    Nice take Iain. Happy New Year.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Di, and to you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. pensitivity101 Avatar
        pensitivity101

        🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Eugenia Parrish Author Avatar
    Eugenia Parrish Author

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Eugenia

      Like

      Reply
  9. GHLearner Avatar
    GHLearner

    Happy New Year Iain. I think that struggle is one many young people share. He has his mother on his side, there’s hope.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks! Yep, always hope. Happy New Year.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. magickmermaid Avatar
    magickmermaid

    I can certainly relate. Great story! Happy New Year to you and your family! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you. Hope you are well 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. msjadeli Avatar
    msjadeli

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Dad’s generally do. I think they get a bad press sometimes! Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. msjadeli Avatar
        msjadeli

        You’re welcome!

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Nobbinmaug Avatar
    Nobbinmaug

    Chasing one’s dreams and seeking a father’s approval can pull one in opposing directions. Very well stated and understated.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      And of course, in most cases, it has to be going against a father’s approval, which can be a tough choice to make.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Bill Avatar
    Bill

    Wow, Iain. A beautifully complex story told in so few words. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Bill

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s a fine balance, constantly trying to steer them in the right direction without impinging on them.

      Like

      Reply
  15. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Beautifully written, Iain. With Mom’s support, half the battle is won. I hope.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Here’s hoping Dale, mum’s know best 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        Mums do know best. We always have 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Bear Avatar
    Bear

    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….?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think many creative people have those what of regrets. At least you have got there in the end.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. Elizabeth Young Avatar
    Elizabeth Young

    Perhaps his mother can convince his father, but probably not. He’ll have to learn to live without his approval.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Many children do, I think most manage to learn to live without it!

      Like

      Reply
  18. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    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 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Well, if they needed the charcoal to heat them during the winter, it becomes a tough choice! Thanks Linda 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      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.

      Liked by 1 person

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

    Hopefully, in time his father will become proud of what his son’s achieved, despite the negativity he had to endure.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Will he ever be aware of how much he hindered though? Cheers Keith.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Danny James Avatar
    Danny James

    I think the father will be impressed.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I agree, he will come round.

      Like

      Reply
  22. jillyfunnell Avatar
    jillyfunnell

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      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.

      Like

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

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Brenda, I think there is hope for the father to be convinced.

      Like

      Reply
  24. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    The minds of some people are not so easily changed.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  25. Bernadette Braganza Avatar
    Bernadette Braganza

    Hope he comes around to accept him.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks, there is hope!

      Like

      Reply
  26. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Laurie 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  27. i b arora Avatar
    i b arora

    well, my story too has a doubting father, interesting

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  28. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very true, there’s only so much they can do.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. oneta hayes Avatar
    oneta hayes

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Oneta

      Like

      Reply
  30. ahtdoucette Avatar
    ahtdoucette

    Definitely been there with parental support issues. Here’s hoping he makes it anyway. Great take on the prompt, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Anne 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  31. joyroses13 Avatar
    joyroses13

    So glad to find you again on here. You fell off my Reader before. Always appreciate your stories.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Glad you found me again! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

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