Magic – Friday Fictioneers

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Time for another Friday Fictioneers entry. The challenge is to write 100 words based on a weekly photo prompt chosen by our host Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Check out her blog for more information by clicking here. Thank you to all who take the time to read, like or comment.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

PHOTO PROMPT © John Nixon

Magic

“Why do you like this stuff?” The older boy demanded.

“It’s funny.” The younger boy replied, although his smile had faltered. “And it’s magic.” He added quietly.

“It’s not funny, it’s stupid.” The older boy said. “And it’s not magic. Look, you can see the gears moving.”

“Mum would have liked it.”

“Mum is dead.” The older boy lit a cigarette and punched his brother on the arm, hard enough to make him wince. “Come on, let’s go do something cool.”

The piano played a mournful tune as they walked away. The younger boy looked back briefly, his eyes unreadable.

 

 

35 responses to “Magic – Friday Fictioneers”

  1. FabricatingFiction Avatar

    Oh that’s quite emotional!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    I sense a deep undercurrent beneath your words. Skillfully done.

    My 100 words!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thanks Keith. I thought you story was great fun and really well told. I tried to comment on it directly but my OpenID credentials could not be verified apparently! !

      Like

  3. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    This painted really great images, loved it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thanks Michael!

      Like

  4. Lynn Love Avatar

    What a relatioship you’ve painted, there, Thom. You’ve built so much between the two brothers and it rings so very true. You don’t have a brother yourself by any chance? Really great story, with so much hinted and unspoken

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thanks Lynn. No brothers for me – I have two older sisters. They are the ones who got to experience the ‘joy’ of having a brother. I just have to imagine how great it must be! Haha! Glad you enjoyed the story.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lynn Love Avatar

        Haha! Must have been very interesting, being the youngest with older sisters. Great story indeed, Thom 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar

    Oh the sadness in a relationship like that.. so much said in that dialogue….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thanks Björn. Glad you liked it.

      Like

  6. creatingahome Avatar

    The little guy sounds hopeful and in need of something/someone to hold unto.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thanks! Hopefully he’ll find it.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. k rawson Avatar

    beautifully rendered

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thank you!

      Like

  8. The Voice Avatar

    Brothers and yet such a contrast between them. I hope the older brother doesn’t manage to kill off his younger siblings imagination. Beautiful piece, Thom..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thanks Chris! I think the older brother is grieving too, in his own way. Hopefully they’ll help each other through it.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. ahtdoucette Avatar

    Maybe magic is in the eye of the beholder? Hints at such a sad story. Well written.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thank you!

      Like

  10. Sandra Avatar

    Beautifully done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thanks Sandra!

      Like

  11. wmqcolby Avatar

    Vivid and real. Great, Thom!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thanks!

      Like

  12. rgayer55 Avatar

    You told us a lot in a few words. Well done, Thom.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thank you!

      Like

  13. spicedmullings Avatar

    Very sad – the innocence of the younger trampled by the cynicism of the older – contrasts!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thanks! I think the older boy stopped believing in magic when their mum died whereas the younger boy clung to that belief.

      Like

      1. spicedmullings Avatar

        What a blessing it is then to have the younger one!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. mickwynn2013 Avatar
    mickwynn2013

    Well told, full of pathos

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thanks Mick!

      Like

  15. gahlearner Avatar
    gahlearner

    I think the younger brother achieved something much cooler than his brother will ever understand. Great story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Dreamer of Dreams Avatar

    I loved this story, Thom! I look forward to your stories. You have a beautiful way with words, emotion, and atmosphere, and your narrative pace is perfect.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thom Carswell Avatar
      Thom Carswell

      That’s a lovely comment! I’m so glad to know you look forward to my stories (especially when your own stories are so beautifully told) – I hope you continue to enjoy them!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dreamer of Dreams Avatar

        I do, and I will. And thank you! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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