photo courtesy of Ronda Del Boccio
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers and to Ronda for the photo.
HIGH FLIER
‘ I’m pleased to be launching this extraordinary Sky High Experience today, created by Toby Miles. I am sure you can’t wait to have a ride.’
Toby smiles to himself absorbed by the magnificence of his vision made real.
A buzz of excitement ripples through the audience, jostling to get closer to the giant balloon.
All at once the voice in his head breaks through his reverie,
‘It’s no good, it won’t work, you’re a failure.’ His father.
A man from the audience approaches.
‘Are you Toby Miles ?’
It’s blooming marvelous mate, can’t wait to fly in it !’
June 17, 2020 at 3:25 am
Those tapes in our heads are hard to record over. I’m glad someone in the present to offer encouragement.
June 17, 2020 at 5:18 pm
Thanks for your comment. I like the idea of ‘those tapes in our heads’, describes it very well I think.
June 17, 2020 at 5:44 pm
You’re welcome 🙂
June 14, 2020 at 11:03 am
When your family put you down it hurts. At least someone trusted in his plans.
June 15, 2020 at 9:13 am
Thanks for comment James. I agree about family put downs.
June 13, 2020 at 8:35 am
There is so often a naysayer, and it is especially sad (and disempowering) when it is a parent.
Neat reflection of something easily forgotten.
June 14, 2020 at 10:35 am
Thanks ceayr, I like your reflection. Agree it is sad because parents are so central in shaping us.
June 12, 2020 at 10:51 am
A timely intervention. Go Toby!
Here’s mine!
June 14, 2020 at 10:41 am
Thank you Keith, I appreciate your comment.
June 11, 2020 at 8:52 pm
Dear Francine,
I’m glad there was a voice to obscure the demeaning voice from the past. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
June 14, 2020 at 10:49 am
I’m pleased you liked the redeeming voice part of the story. I felt the message would be too bleak without it.
June 11, 2020 at 6:19 pm
I’m glad he managed to get past the memory of his father’s words.
June 14, 2020 at 10:55 am
Thank you Ali,I’m pleased you like the positive element of the story.
June 11, 2020 at 4:57 pm
Dad’s voice can be very damaging, I fear. Toby was branded a failure, but it’s just as bad if parents’ expectations are unrealistically high. I’m glad it looks as though Toby has won through!
June 14, 2020 at 11:01 am
Thanks for your reflective comment Penny. Good point about parents’ unrealistically high hopes being just as damaging.
June 11, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Bless that stranger!
June 14, 2020 at 11:15 am
Great comment Neil, yes, bless that stranger.
June 11, 2020 at 12:45 pm
But that doubting voice, sown early, always remains
June 13, 2020 at 7:50 pm
Yes it does…
June 14, 2020 at 11:22 am
Thanks for your comment Dale.
June 14, 2020 at 11:20 am
Good point Crispina. Thank you.
June 11, 2020 at 12:28 pm
Thank goodness the man’s voice arrested the voice in his head. Nice one!
June 14, 2020 at 11:27 am
I appreciate your comment, pleased you liked the story.
June 11, 2020 at 11:33 am
Good for him! 🙂
June 14, 2020 at 11:32 am
Thanks Iain, I like your comment.