Short Story

The Continuing Adventures of George & Martha, Vol. 8: Balle en Caoutchouc Rouge (Red Rubber Ball)

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we
are urged to get creative in 250 words or less. The
photo below is our inspiration and this is my story.

© Ayr/Gray

“What is your problem, Martha?”

“Besides you, George? I have no idea what you’re referring to.”

“Well, then, Pumpkin…..allow me to elucidate.”

“As if I could stop you.”

“Whenever we go on holiday, Mrs. Sisyphus, you always pick the most arduous of destinations.”

“George, this is France.….the most romantic place on earth!”

“I thought that was Italy, Martha…..my overstuffed raviolo.”

“France….with the most beautiful women!”

“I married you, Martha. Clearly I know nothing about beautiful women.”

“France….with the most breathtaking scenery!”

“All I can see from here is your expansive derrière, Martha Plumpton!”

“France….with the most delicious food!”

“Which you’ve obviously consumed quite liberally, ma petite watermelon!”

“Stop sniping, George! We’ve arrived at the top. Voila! Our penthouse rental.”

“Thank God! I’m exhausted. I’ve climbed mountains less strenuous than these steps.”

“Ha! The only mountain you’ve scaled without breaking a sweat is Schiehallion Lager!”

“Touché! Everything sounds so refined in French, doesn’t it, mon petit hippopotame?”

“Connard stupide! How do you like my French, Hercule Poirot?”

“Actually, he’s Belgian, you silly Humpty Dumpty.”

“Tais-toi! Shut up! SHUT UP!”

“What’s gotten into you all of a sudden, Angel Food Cake?”

“All of a sudden? One more insult out of you, Ricky Gervais, and I’ll kick you down those steps! And the trip will be most unpleasant.”

“I apologize, Martha. I’ve been crass and insensitive.”

“Oh, George! I forgive you!”

“I figure if we both fall, Madam Michelin, at least you’ll just bounce like a balle en caoutchouc rouge!”

“JE TE DÉTESTE!!”

NAR©2025
250 Words

More fun with George & Martha can be found HERE.

This is “Red Rubber Ball” by the Cyrkle

The Unicorn Challenge-31/01/25

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller, Nancy (The Sicilian Storyteller), The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

40 thoughts on “The Continuing Adventures of George & Martha, Vol. 8: Balle en Caoutchouc Rouge (Red Rubber Ball)”

  3. Oh, you are so creative. George and Martha at it again! 🙂 They sort of remind me of Ralph & Alice (the Honeymooners). “To the moon, Alice!” I enjoyed the song as well. I’ve not heard that one in a long time. Thanks for the memory and the laugh, Nancy!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. I’m currently imagining George rolled into a ball and kicked firmly back down the hill.
    ‘There’s nowt as queer as folk’ and couples come in many shapes and forms.|
    This one seems to suit George and Martha, and I’m sure, pity help anyone who tried to come between them.
    Still laughing, Nancy…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You are exactly right, Jenne. They are devoted to each other; he loves rudely teasing her and she loves to be rudely teased ….. to a point. In the end, even after she erupts, they make up and carry on ….. always.
      G&M are my babies and I love writing about them. Thanks for your very kind comments, Jenne. You’ll be seeing more of George & Martha.

      Like

      Reply

  8. I agree. I think I would have pushed George down those steps! That said, I enjoyed your story. And.. that song is one I loved long ago but haven’t heard for decades. Thanks for bringing it back to mind as well as ear.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. George is a real PITA, for sure! As dysfunctional as they are, they love each other and I love writing about them.

      I’m delighted to know you enjoyed my story and music choice. The videos I use are very important to my story theme and I’m always thrilled when someone takes note of them. That is a great old song and I thought of it the second I named my story.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.

      Like

      Reply

Tell me what you're thinking. 🖊️