Our gracious host, Rochelle, is asking us to get
creative in 100 words or less using the photo
seen below. Welcome to Friday Fictioneers.
This is where the prompt took me.
He promised her clear skies and smooth sailing; what a joke!
Susan watched the lone sailboat from shore, seagulls mocking her with their cackling laughter. Twenty years ago, Tony had swept her away with grand dreams ….Tuscany, corner offices, Rolls Royce.
Instead: a leaking roof, dead-end jobs, and Tony’s eternal cockeyed optimism that made her teeth ache.
“We’ll get there, Susie Q!” he’d say, winking like destiny owed him something.
The sailboat lurched sideways in the grey chop.
Figures.
Even a stranger’s boat confirmed what she already knew …. some men were simply better at leaving harbor than arriving anywhere.
NAR©2026
100 Words
This is “Smooth Sailing” by Ella Fitzgerald
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
I once heard that the name Tony also means “To NY” or to new york – and maybe that is where this Tony is off to – ha!
and not everything works out, eh? 🙁
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I’ve also heard that explanation of the name “Tony”. I don’t know if there’s any facts behind it. He definitely was a dreamer! Thanks very much, Yvette.
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🙂
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Some people expect you to follow their star. And usually they’re the only ones who can see it. Nicely done, Nancy.
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You are so right about that, Sandra. Thanks very much.
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Dear Nancy
Poor Tony. I’m sure he believed what he promised. He just wasn’t ever going to be able to keep his promises. Well done. Love Ella. Great scat!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Tony is deluded. He’s part dreamer, part loser; he really did believe his promises. Then you blink and half your life is gone and you’re still at the starting line. How sad.
Ella was the queen; love this song.
Thanks, Rochelle 💕
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Great take on the picture, Nancy. The downside of optimism: only promises with no follow through. Reminds me of the concept of vaporware, when people or companies promise big innovations that eternally only a few months away.
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Thanks for a great comment, David. Most appreciative.
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Oh poor feckless Tony.
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Exactly right, Dawn. Thanks!
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Probably true, although I’ve experienced more than one unplanned reversal in my life.
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Thanks, James
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Promises, promises… great story, Nancy, and what a last line. Although, eternal optimism paired with a loving character can be endearing… if the family doesn’t have to depend on it and all the real life load is on the other person.
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So true, Gabi. Thank you
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Such a shame… but a good little tale, Nancy.
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Thanks much, Chris
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i don’t know whether to laugh or cry. but it was an ending i didn’t expect.
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Whatever floats your boat, plaridel! ⛵️
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Good story, Nancy. A man like Tony can be fun … for awhile…
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So true, Lisa. Thanks.
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You’re welcome.
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I have to agree with the peeps on the killer last line. Some guys are all bluff and little stuff!
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Tony seems like the eternal optimist- he must have something for her to put up with him for so long – great story Nance 🙌
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I love that last line, sadly it’s so very true ❤️
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Thanks very much, Gary ♥️
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Great last line
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Thanks very much, Neil
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It’s amazing what can be accomplished in 100 words!
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Good thing you got a good one in your guy! 🥰
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And I am so good at picking them out! hehehehehe
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I had an Italian hot dog and an Italian ice for dinner last night and this morning I had Italian bread and everything was yummy.
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Oh, Suzie Q…the Rolling Stones!
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Any port in a storm, but I think she’d be better off with a glass of port my friend
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🙁🙁🙁
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