IAIN KELLY

SHE DID SEE

Go back to nature, they said. Rediscover yourself. Rediscover the true meaning of life.

If the true meaning of life was to be covered in mosquito bites, sweat and dirt, then she’d struck gold. Right now, she was dreaming about her cosy apartment, a glass of wine and the latest Stranger Things series.

‘What’s that noise?’ she shouted to the guide ahead. All week she’d suffered his contempt. He must hate city slickers.

‘You’ll see,’ he said, pushing foliage out the way. The rumbling got louder until they stepped into a clearing.

And she did see.

Copyright Dave Stewart

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 more stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

I was delighted to receive the author copies of my new novel ‘The Barra Boy’ from my publisher this week. If any of my Friday Fictioneer colleagues, or anyone else, are interested in receiving a copy, all the details can be found HERE.

69 responses to “SHE DID SEE”

  1. Reena Saxena Avatar

    I empathize with your protagonist 🙂 I prefer closed, comfy spaces to mosquito-ridden open areas.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      To be honest, so do I! But I wouldn’t mind a bit of adventure now and then! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Reena Saxena Avatar

        We go for planned adventures rather than real ones. And companies in the leisure business are minting money 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        The tourist industry is a big earner – as the pandemic showed when it stopped!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. neilmacdon Avatar

    And, I hope, it made all the discomfort worthwhile

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I would like to think that view would be worth her while. Thanks Neil.

      Like

  3. pensitivity101 Avatar

    Another great take Iain. Good luck with the book!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Di. Hope you will find time to give it a read 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Yamini Ali MacLean Avatar

    Hari OM
    I have actually bush-bashed in such places – mossies are one thing, the leeches were quite another. I don’t recall once wishing for wine or television… a long luxurious shower, maybe… &*> YAM xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      🙂 Hopefully she got to shower in the waterfall! 🙂

      Like

  5. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    I’m guessing she’s not seeing an escape from her “adventure.” You had me smacking mosquitos. 😉 All the best on your book.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Rochelle, I think for her it’s turned into an ordeal rather than adventure!

      Like

  6. neeltheauthor- author of WHEN LIFE THROWS THOSE CURVE BALLS Avatar

    And what a sight did she see! Lovely story, Kelly

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  7. granonine Avatar

    Gotta love a happy ending 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s nice to write one now and then 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  8. magickmermaid Avatar

    Definitely worth a little discomfort to see this waterfall. Best wishes for your new book!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you! Hope you will be able to have a read of it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. pennygadd51 Avatar

    Very nicely written, Iain. Despite the fact that the photoprompt gives the game away, you succeed in maintaining and increasing the emotional tension for the the reveal. Skilfully done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Penny 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Liz H Avatar

    That waterfall! Totally worth the pains it took to get there.
    Her apartment, wine, & TV will still be there on her return…
    Unless the guide tips her onto the rapids…Lol!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He may just about have had enough of her moaning! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  11. msjadeli Avatar

    Some things are worth the inconvenience. Such a realistic and well-told story, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, I agree, a few days discomfort now and then is worth it to see what nature has to offer.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. msjadeli Avatar

        You’re welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. OIKOSâ„¢- Art, Books & more Avatar

    Beautiful. I prefer cosy places without mosquitos too. 😉 xx Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael 🙂 Can’t tempt you with a once in a lifetime trip? 🙂

      Like

  13. Tracey at Whatsfordinnerdoc.com and TraceyDelaplainMD.com Avatar

    I think our protagonist is the same girl. 😊 Thanks for the tour. (Swats a mosquito.)
    Tracey

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Tracey – heading over to see what she’s been up to in your story now! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    The most hardened city-slicker couldn’t fail to be in awe of that – or could they? Nice one Iain.

    Btw, I had a lovely evening at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Keith. How nice, what did you see? I haven’t been since pre-Covid times, must get back there. Usually end up at the Christmas concert there most Decembers!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

        I saw the RNSO, the principal flautist Katherine Bryan is my daughter’s bestie, and she was premiering a piece specially written for her. Went to the Killearn beer festival too!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        Sounds like an excellent weekend! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  15. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar

    Nice story, some people need to be shaken to open their eyes.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      They certainly do. Thanks for reading

      Like

  16. plaridel Avatar

    as seasoned travelers would say, if it’s not to your liking, change your liking. otherwise, don’t travel at all. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yes, maybe she has learned to just stay home, or maybe the waterfall will convince her it was worth it!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Frank Hubeny Avatar

    And now to find out if she thought it was worth the mosquito bites.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      That is the question. Thanks Frank.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. creatingahome Avatar

    Love it. Sometimes the journey can be worth the end.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  19. Bill Avatar

    This reminds me of descriptions of jungles from aircraft (or pictures) versus being on the ground in the midst of it all. Well played, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Bill, much appreciated

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Patricia Clair Avatar
    Patricia Clair

    I felt like I was right next to her, sweaty and hearing the roar of the waterfall. So nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Patricia

      Like

  21. Danny James Avatar

    Quite a sight.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Danny

      Like

  22. GHLearner Avatar

    Brilliant, you make the picture the second part of your story. No more words needed. And if a view like that doesn’t induce awe in her, nothing will.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you. Yes, if that view doesn’t work, then nothing will!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    True to life. Often, there’s a great struggle to achieve that goal even if it’s just a bit of piece. The guide knew that in the end, she’d find it worth the effort. Congratulations on receiving the copies of your novel!! I look forward to reading it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

      I meant “peace.” (haha)

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Brenda, look forward to hearing what you think of it. Let me know if I can help get a copy to you!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

        Thanks Iain. What is the best way to get a copy?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        Where are you based at the moment? It might be easiest for me to send you a copy. If you email me at iainkellywriting@outlook.com I can look at the best way 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Laurie Bell Avatar

    I do relate to your lead here. I hate mosquitoes!! Worst creatures in existence (and I live in Aus! Haha) still I think we all stop and stare in awe at the majesty of a waterfall.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Laurie 🙂

      Like

  25. oneta hayes Avatar

    Overload of sight and sound. Nature at its finest.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Oneta

      Like

  26. Forestwood Avatar

    Great work, Iain. I kind of felt a little guilty as I would also be whining about mosquitoes and bugs. But it would be worth it to see this.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks so much 🙂

      Like

  27. Margaret Avatar

    She’s not an outdoors girl, obviously. I can relate to that. I like the ending – I’m thinking her discomfort and irritation will all disappear when she steps into the clearing. That would be quite a sight. I like how you’ve developed this – it takes us right along with them on their trek.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Margaret

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Vartika Avatar

    All is well that ends well. Good one

    Liked by 1 person

  29. jennifermacaire Avatar

    This made me laugh – very good!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  30. Sandra Avatar

    I think the trip has just taken a huge turn for the better.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Agreed, thanks Sandra

      Like

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