photo by Ted Strutz 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
August 6, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Thanks for your comment, it’s much appreciated. Pleased you liked the story.
August 3, 2019 at 3:17 pm
Very emotive & moving.
August 6, 2019 at 5:48 pm
Thanks Lisa, so glad you liked the story.
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.
August 6, 2019 at 5:53 pm
Thanks so much, I’m glad you liked the story.
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
August 7, 2019 at 7:53 am
Thanks for your comment Susan – pleased you liked the story.
August 2, 2019 at 5:47 pm
An emotional reunion. The daughter will need time. Nice story!
August 7, 2019 at 7:58 am
Thanks so much Brenda, pleased you liked the story.
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!’
August 7, 2019 at 8:03 am
Thanks for your comment Keith – glad you liked the story.
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.
August 7, 2019 at 8:06 am
I appreciate your comment Abhijit — thank you.
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
August 7, 2019 at 8:11 am
Thanks for you comment Rochelle — I would like to believe there’s some reconciliation happening.
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.
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.
August 1, 2019 at 7:24 pm
You are very welcome.
July 31, 2019 at 8:53 pm
A tough situation for the children. With time hopefully they can become a family again.
August 1, 2019 at 4:56 pm
Thank you Iain, a tough situation for all the family members I think.
July 31, 2019 at 8:49 pm
Tricky situation, I wish her luck, what happened to the Dad?
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 ?
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
August 11, 2019 at 3:37 pm
Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.
July 31, 2019 at 6:38 pm
Sounds like many narratives need to be untangled. Nice job.
August 1, 2019 at 5:12 pm
Thanks for your comment – pleased you liked the story.
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
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.
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?
July 31, 2019 at 5:18 pm
I don’t think this is going to go as she expected. Nice cliff-hanger
August 1, 2019 at 5:22 pm
I appreciate your comment Neil – glad you liked the cliff-hanger.
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.
August 1, 2019 at 5:28 pm
Thanks so much Dale – I appreciate your comment.