Written for Friday Fictioneers where our host Rochelle
asks us to use the photo below as inspiration
to write creatively in 100 words or less while
making every word count. This is my flash.
“Mom! Dad! A pool! This one’s the best house yet!”
Steve gave the kids his ‘father knows best’ look.
“A pool requires a lot of upkeep, guys!”
“We’ll take care of it, Dad! We promise!”
“Like you promised to walk the dog?”
Steve looked to Kim for some spousal back-up.
“They are teenagers now, Steve.”
“Please, Dad! We can finally have our friends over.”
Steve rolled his eyes; the kids were masters of the guilt-trip.
“I love the kitchen, Steve.”
“I know, Kim. And how about that home theater?”
“Yay! We’re getting a pool!”
Happy kids and wife; happy life.
NAR©2024
100 Words
This is “Our House” by Madness
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy (The Sicilian Storyteller), The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Dear Nancy,
I’ve lobbied for years for a pool, but to no avail. Fortunately the fitness center is close. 😉 As usual you’ve left me with an earworm. Thank you. Love the story, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, dear Rochelle.
We’re in the same boat …. er, pool.
I begged for years for a pool and when we finally decided to do it, I was devastated to find out there are enormous underground boulders in our backyard. Excavation would have been impossible. Moving into a new house with a pool would have been cheaper. Instead, we bought a boat but I learned the hard way that I get violently seasick! What a crazy end for a water-loving Pisces like me! C’est la vie!
Shalom
🕊️
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Such a lovely moment of domesticity. Nicely done
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While it lasts, anyway! 😂
Thanks, Laurie.
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I think there is something for everyone here, but I also think dad will end up taking care of the pool. 🙂 Nice one, Nancy!
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You can take that one to the bank, Brenda! 😂
Thanks for your comments!
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Loved your ending line Nance! ❤
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Thanks so much, CA! ❤︎
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Will there be a sequel to this story in two years when the kids have left for college and Steve and Kim’s arthritis is such that the home theater seats are too uncomfortable and they downsize into a condo with a couple of reclining seats in the den?
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Yeah! And you just wrote it! 😂
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LOL!
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All of them are money pits… even the dogs but we love them anyway. Hope your cat came home? 🙏🏼💕
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Please! We have a boat. Talk about a money pit! 🛥️
Yes, she is home safe and sound! 🐈⬛♡
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Oh don’t I know. OH YAYYYYYYY!!! Sooo happy to hear that👏💗💗👏
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I shouted Yah too! Then I remembered, I’m a dad too!
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True that, Keith! My poor brother-in-law would come home from work looking forward to some down time in his pool only to discover all his kids’ friends were in it! No room for him AND he had to clean up the mess before he could take a dip! Something not right in that scenario.
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Yeah, right. Of course they will help. Not.
Funny how I bought this house despite it having a damn pool!
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Exactamundo, Toots!
Oh, but think of those fabulous dips after a run or yard work. Heavenly!
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Uh huh
And yeah, that’s what I do appreciate about it. Plus, last year, I was on the ball all season. That baby was maintained. 😏
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Gotta maintain the baby! 🏊
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Oh yeah. You pay of you don’t!
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Some of those FF stories might have you thinking twice about diving in. Scary shit! Bwahahaha!!!
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No kidding!! Mamma Mia!
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😳
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Sounds like the perfect house for a family with teenagers.
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Sure is! Fun for them and work for dad! 😂
Thanks so much!
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Sounds like the perfect house for a family with teenagers!
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i love a happy ending. well done.
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Thanks, Plaridel!
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trusting teenagers 🥴 lol…
a happy one …. a revisit after things get real for Dad …😬🤭
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You know Dad’s gonna end up cleaning the pool, don’t you? 😂
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I pictured that lol…🤣
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Happy wife and kids – happy life! That’s a great motto although I’m pretty sure dad will end up cleaning the pool.
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Oh, without a doubt! 😂
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Finding the opportunity that works for all makes it worth the upkeep. Happily ever after, and the effort makes for an additional benefit!
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Happily ever after sounds good to me, Liz!
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Something for everyone!
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Yes …. but I think Dad’s getting the lion’s share! 😂
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Oh yeah. Figures.
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indeed 💜💜
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Dad ends up cleaning the pool. Either that or he hires a service.
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Yep. The way of all pools.
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Oh I ache to explain to those teenagers
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An exercise in futility, I fear.
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Everyone’s happy, although I’m sure about Dad … 😍🌏
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A father does what a father needs to do. Thanks, dear Ivor. 😊
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So true Nancy but I bet he had to clean the pool himself 😁😁☀️
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And I’m sure you’d win that bet, Willow! 😂
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Very true 🥳🥰
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It is a fait accompli. 😂
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👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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Oh, for the happy life. I wonder if the teenagers will clean the place.
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It’s highly unlikely, James!
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