Another entry in the fine tradition of Friday Fictioneers! I had to puzzle over this week’s prompt for a while before finding an opening for another hundred-word story…as usual, please let me know what you think of it!
(And another thank-you to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for providing the weekly prompts and keeping this herd of cats pretty well organized!)
Tradition
Another meal, another lecture. Zach kicked at the leg of his chair. “Family tradition…musical gift…your great-grandfather…” He scooped up a forkful of mac’n’cheese and frowned at it. “And it wouldn’t even cost anything for your instrument, since Gramps left you his cello.”
Zach sat up straight. “Fine! Turn me into Gramps! Why didn’t you give me his name too – Donnaaaalld?”
“You don’t deserve it! The way he had to struggle – his family thought being a musician was childish! He had to fight them every inch of the way!”
Zach smiled to himself. Maybe he would copy Gramps after all.
* * *
And to change the subject a bit – it was great getting together in person yesterday with two other Fictioneers, Janet from Sustainabilitea and Rich!
Thank you to the staff at Starbucks for letting us monopolize one of their tables for a couple of hours, and to the helpful stranger who took photos for us.
A Number of Things 
Hi Sharon,
Nice support group! Loved the voice of your character and his attitude. Ron
Teenagers – gotta love ’em. Seriously, I think he’s going to do fine, in spite of his family.
Isn’t it great whenekids see the light? lovely Sharon, and how nice to meet some blogging friends!
Thanks, Gilly! Yes – sooner or later, I think his parents may be sorry they told him what his great-grandfather went through. And it was a very nice afternoon!
WONDERFUL photograph!
Thanks (though all I did was pose, so I can’t really take any credit!)
oh I loved it – the concept was wonderful…Friday Fictioneers meeting!
The key in this story is found with sudden pleasure! I really liked the way Zach had that thought, hearing differently what was being said…!
Yep! You never know how your audience – especially your children – will apply what you tell them, do you? Glad you like it!
Why is it youngsters want to expand a few years differnce in time into eons where nothing can ever be the same. Don’t they relaize their life is headed to the same place? Nice original though and well done with the grandson’s honest reaction.
Well, in this case I’d say that (like his great-grandfather) Zach realizes he has no interest in following the career his family wants to push him into. Glad you like it.
Great story! Good characters. It’s really cool to see the pics of you folks. I hope we ALL get to see each other VERY soon.
Thanks – glad you like it! A Fictioneers convention would be fun, but quite a project considering how many different countries (and continents!) we come from 🙂
Ah, countries schmuntries. Let’s get together … even if we have to Skype! 😉
Considering time zones, Skype might be daunting as well. I for one don’t want anyone seeing me at certain times.
I have to agree with you, Rochelle – and considering that I think we have Fictioneers literally on opposite sides of the world from each other, just picking a time when everybody’s available to Skype could be really hard…
I liked how the kid stepped up. It’s neat when that happens in a youngster.
He’s growing up, ready or not. Thank you!
Great take on the prompt Sharon, enjoyed it. There are ways to bring a child on board.
Thank you, Sandra. I don’t think Zach’s parents are using the most effective tactics to persuade him!
I think he’s going to copy Gramps and “fight them every inch of the way!” Good story.
Nice pic of you guys… that must have been a ball gossiping about all the Fictioneers… Of course, nothing but good about me, I’m sure.
Ted – you got the idea! That’s exactly what he’s deciding to do. Thanks!
The gettogether was a lot of fun…and of course we had only good things to say! Is there anything bad anybody could say about you?!
I sure can’t think of anything…
Didn’t think so! 😉
Dear Sharon,
I loved this story. Very human…natural dialogue. We think we’ve paved the way for the next generation only to find out that we’re “old fashion”.
I love the picture and would love to have a convention some day. That would be amazing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, Rochelle!
Gramps’ old instrument…I had the same thought. 🙂
Yes – I noticed that when I read your story 🙂
Great story. He’s going to raise hell isn’t he?
Glad you like it! Yes, maybe noisily, maybe with quiet determination, but he’s going follow his own interests.
Well done!
I can just feel the rebellion in Zach.
Thank you! Yes – between his age (around sixteen, I think, a naturally rebellious time), and his parents’ approach of just giving orders about what he should do with his whole life, and the fact that he really doesn’t want to be a musician, he’s getting ready to dig his heels in and do things his own way.
Ah, now sometimes it’s reverse psychology that works – I wonder if the parent doing the lecturing had that intention all along? Nicely written. 🙂
I’m glad you like it!
Zach will pioneer the Cello in a black metal group. … Wait, it has already been done.
That is were Zach has to go to be rebellious 🙂
Made me laugh! I suspect, though, that Zach’s more likely to do something deeply shocking like manage a black metal group. And some roots rockers. And the diva of the moment. Probably more money in that line of work, too.
Love the tension in this.
Thank you!
Dear Sharon,
Loved the whole story but especially the last line. I like that kid.
Aloha,
Doug
Thank you so much, Doug! I like him too.
1. i like how he starts to change his mind. 2. i will never look good in a picture. well done.
1. Thank you! 2. I will never look good, but going around with a bag over my head is a nuisance so the rest of you will have to put up with me. 😉