IAIN KELLY

STUMBLE AND FALL

The sun was too weak to melt away the compacted ice. The pathway was pitted and rutted.

‘Like a metaphor for life,’ said Michael, as we walked along. ‘It’s only smooth for little bits here and there, the rest is stumbling your way through.’

‘Are those supposed to be words of encouragement?’ I was irritable.

‘Think of the divorce as one of those ruts you’ve got to get through. On the other side it will be smooth again.’

Helen’s boss getting his leg over her was the only ‘getting over’ I could think about right now.

Michael tried to grab my arm as he slipped and fell on the ice.

I felt oddly better.

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.

My new novel All We Cannot Leave Behind has arrived in paperback and is available to order now from all good booksellers in the UK. The eBook edition will be available from Feb 28th for those around the world, and I’m hopeful the paperback will be available elsewhere soon too.

Here’s the moment I got to see the physical book for the first time:

The State Trilogy and The Barra Boy also available now.

48 responses to “STUMBLE AND FALL”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar

    Great finale. Misery does love company

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  2. Sandra Avatar

    Simple pleasures to be found everywhere. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Indeed they are. Thanks Sandra

      Like

  3. Anita Avatar

    Walking & slipping/falling on thin ice. Fragile relationship.

    “Getting over” is tough.

    Sad that Helen & her boss did this with him.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Anita

      Like

  4. MrBinks Avatar
    MrBinks

    Nicely written and makes me want to read more.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    The last line made me laugh out loud. Like Sandra says…the simple pleasures. It’s like an old joke I remember, “happiness is the dentist telling you it won’t hurt at all, and then gets his hand caught in the drill.” 😉

    Love the video. Cute kids. Congrats on the book.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Ha! Thanks Rochelle. They can be cute kids when they want to be! Good luck with your upcoming book too.

      Like

  6. Liz Young Avatar

    Like the last line – seeing someone else’s downfall shouldn’t make one feel better, butit does!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s amazing how it can help to know you are not alone in adversity! Thanks Liz

      Like

  7. Dale Avatar

    I would have felt oddly pleased, myself! 🙂

    Nicely done, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Dale 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale Avatar
  8. msjadeli Avatar

    Very good writing, Iain. Everything falls into place seamlessly. Congrats on your new book!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. msjadeli Avatar

        You’re very welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar

    Love the kiddos. It’s a bit obvious how proud they are of their Dad.

    I enjoyed the metaphors in this story, Iain. Well written …

    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Aw, thanks Isadora 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar

        You’re welcome 🙏🏻

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Margaret Avatar

    No-one wants some smart alec being positive and cheerful when their world is falling apart. Great ending. Congratulations on the book and thanks for sharing the unboxing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Much better if we are all in despair together! Thanks Margaret, you’re welcome 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    I can almost see the satisfied smile on his face!

    Another book! Congratulations, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Keith 🙂

      Like

  12. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    I love the humanity in this story. We are all a little vengeful like that from time to time.
    Congrats on the book. I look forward to reading it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks so much Dawn. Hopefully will appear in US at the end of the month, I will keep you updated.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. plaridel Avatar

    one of your best. truly enjoyed it. well done. congrats on the book, too. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks so much, very kind 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Laurie Bell Avatar

    LOL
    Well it seems his friend did managed to cheer him up after all. A great piece Iain. You captured both moods here really well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Laurie 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  15. notestowomen Avatar

    Guess his friend means well but some things are tough to get over. Congratulations on your new book. Cute video of you and your kids 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Nobbinmaug Avatar

    We can all use a little pick-me-up sometimes, even if it comes in the form of someone else falling down. Congratulations on you book!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      🙂 Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Michael Humphris Avatar
    Michael Humphris

    Lovely imagery, and it caused me to smile. What’s not to like

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael, glad it raised a smile

      Like

  18. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    Too soon for rosy platitudes. At least Michael fell for it. (haha) I love the video. The kids are adorable (So many pages). Congratulations, Iain! I’ll have to get my copy soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Brenda, hope you manage to get a copy 🙂

      Like

  19. The Sicilian Storyteller Avatar

    Congratulations to you on your book!

    And that video is just priceless.

    It seems Michael was trying to be a good friend but there are times when it’s simply best to keep one’s mouth shut.

    Great story, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you on both counts 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Angela Avatar

    Great ending. Michael had that coming…

    Congrats on your book!

    -Angela

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks so much Angela 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  21. GHLearner Avatar

    I guess Michael’s downfall was just the tiny bit of laughter the MC needed for his heart. Michael overdid it there with the wisecracking just a bit, LOL.

    Congrats on your book, and the kids and you look so cute together.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  22. thisobscurelife Avatar

    poor Michael he was only trying to be supportive, but he ended up helping in some small way at the end 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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