Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers’ challenge this week is prompted by Ted’s intriguing photo.
LOST & FOUND
She could see two forlorn figures on the quayside the boy much taller now his sister smaller rounder, arms crossed, staring hard at the sea-plane. Her children taken by their father five years ago : an unfit mother they said, bereaved she felt. She had meant to keep contact. I’ll make it right she thought.
As her dinghy approached the quay the children came into focus – her son smiling moving forward, her daughter rooted to the spot rigid with suspicion. “Hello kids I’m here for you, there’s a sea-plane waiting…….are you coming ?”
August 4, 2019 at 4:30 am
The trauma of being labeled an “unfit mother” would be devastating. Maybe the father was too bold and she really wasn’t an unfit mother. This happens all the time – (maybe not the loss) but parents pitting themselves against each other and vying for the #1 spot. Sad. At least she is trying.
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August 6, 2019 at 5:28 pm
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment — I agree that this territory is very fraught as you say.
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August 3, 2019 at 8:13 pm
Wow, this is the most emotional story I’ve read in this week’s FF. There is so much anger and distress to be overcome as a consequence of the actions of both parents. And the mother’s attempt to lure the children back seems set to make matters worse. Great use of implied backstory, Francine.
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August 6, 2019 at 5:35 pm
Thanks so much for your comment Penny, I agree it is a highly charged situation, with no easy solution I would guess. Pleased you liked the implied backstory.
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August 3, 2019 at 5:08 pm
She has a long road ahead of her. You captured a lot of emotion with body language. Well done.
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August 6, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Thanks for your comment, it’s much appreciated. Pleased you liked the story.
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August 3, 2019 at 3:17 pm
Very emotive & moving.
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August 6, 2019 at 5:48 pm
Thanks Lisa, so glad you liked the story.
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August 2, 2019 at 7:49 pm
So much emotion here. We sure do make messes of our lives, sometimes, always leaving the children to try to patch things together. Well done.
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August 6, 2019 at 5:53 pm
Thanks so much, I’m glad you liked the story.
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August 2, 2019 at 7:28 pm
Fascinating take on the photo prompt. I hope she manages to make peace with her daughter.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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August 7, 2019 at 7:53 am
Thanks for your comment Susan – pleased you liked the story.
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August 2, 2019 at 5:47 pm
An emotional reunion. The daughter will need time. Nice story!
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August 7, 2019 at 7:58 am
Thanks so much Brenda, pleased you liked the story.
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August 2, 2019 at 9:00 am
Did they, didn’t they? Whatever the outcome it must have been a difficult and emotional meeting. Excellent.
My tale – ‘Plane sailing!’
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August 7, 2019 at 8:03 am
Thanks for your comment Keith – glad you liked the story.
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August 2, 2019 at 7:02 am
What can be more tragic for a woman than be declared an unfit mother? I hope she is reconciled with her kids.
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August 7, 2019 at 8:06 am
I appreciate your comment Abhijit — thank you.
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August 1, 2019 at 10:11 pm
Dear Francine,
There’s so much more to this story. You leave me hoping they can re-establish their family. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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August 7, 2019 at 8:11 am
Thanks for you comment Rochelle — I would like to believe there’s some reconciliation happening.
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July 31, 2019 at 10:09 pm
So many variables are involved in the situation with many unknown. She should have kept in touch. She is fortunate that many children are resilient. You could build a novel on how things get processed in everyone’s world. Good story.
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August 1, 2019 at 4:49 pm
Thanks so much for your comment. Glad you liked the story – think you’re right – there are so many variables. definitely scope for a novel on this theme.
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August 1, 2019 at 7:24 pm
You are very welcome.
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July 31, 2019 at 8:53 pm
A tough situation for the children. With time hopefully they can become a family again.
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August 1, 2019 at 4:56 pm
Thank you Iain, a tough situation for all the family members I think.
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July 31, 2019 at 8:49 pm
Tricky situation, I wish her luck, what happened to the Dad?
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August 1, 2019 at 5:05 pm
I appreciate your comment – thank you. I wanted to leave it up to you to imagine the dad, and whether either of the kids wanted to go with their mum. Guess there are many possibilities aren’t there ?
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August 1, 2019 at 10:54 pm
many indeed, as a politician would say, its on a case by case basis, which is of course bollox
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August 11, 2019 at 3:37 pm
Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.
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July 31, 2019 at 6:38 pm
Sounds like many narratives need to be untangled. Nice job.
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August 1, 2019 at 5:12 pm
Thanks for your comment – pleased you liked the story.
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July 31, 2019 at 6:06 pm
I take it she didn’t stay in contact. Have to agree with Dale. Hard job ahead for her
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August 1, 2019 at 5:17 pm
Thanks for your comment – I think you & Dale are right, there’s a big challenge for the mother.
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August 1, 2019 at 5:36 pm
Yep. Though I do understand how an estranged and/or maligned parent might not be able to face the child. And so one year becomes two, becomes three … becomes ten. Then how do they climb over that barrier?
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July 31, 2019 at 5:18 pm
I don’t think this is going to go as she expected. Nice cliff-hanger
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August 1, 2019 at 5:22 pm
I appreciate your comment Neil – glad you liked the cliff-hanger.
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July 31, 2019 at 4:18 pm
She will have some work ahead of her to win over her daughter. And that is to be expected.
Well done.
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August 1, 2019 at 5:28 pm
Thanks so much Dale – I appreciate your comment.
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