It’s been a rough year for him. First his wife got sick, then his chickens, and now it’s summer and nothing is growing on his small plot of land. Day after day, the meteorologist reported that there will be rain but there’s never any rain and with the limitation on water usage, his crops have slowly withered away.
One day, as he stood at the edge of a row, preparing to plow the soil for new crops, his competition walked in. He snickered, “Nice, what did you do? Plowed’em to death?” He walked rubbing his stomach, laughing.
“I’ll show him.” He clenched his fists and rushed into the house. “Sons!” He called and began banging cabinet doors in the kitchen like he’s looking for something.
“Lookin’ for somethin’, dad?” His eldest asked.
“Yes, boys gather them jugs, fill’em with water and bring’em outside.” He returned outside and began sowing the squash seeds into the ground. “Here, boys,” he pointed and helped the boy dump the water on the patch, “I’ll show that fat bastard.”
(~174 words)
I am participating in Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writer, where we write a piece between 100 and 150 words (more or less 25 words) in length inspired by the photo prompt above.
It’s always a touchy subject when you feel like you have to prove yourself. It’s a great motivator, but it’s also empty and full at the same time. Empowering but uncomfortable and fleeting. Great show of that. I was completely on his side.
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I agree. I find that to be a motivator of failure because it makes us try so hard that we forget what really matters, in this case, quality and perhaps family since he may neglect his family in order to make sure the crops succeed. Thank you for reading. 🙂
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Exactly! That’s a great way of putting it. Thank you for replying so thoughtfully. I appreciate that
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Interesting. I enjoyed reading ☺
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Thank you. 🙂
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You are welcome ☺
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LOL! Sweet revenge! I have no doubt that he will grow some awesome vegetables! Great story, Yinglan!
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Thank you.
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You remind us that pride like water and food is important, well told.
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Thanks. 🙂
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Wow such a mean neighbour. His wife is sick and there hasn’t been rain give the guy a break. But on the other hand, it did make him determined to make the garden grow. Hopefully, his sons helping with watering, will make the garden grow. Great job Yinglan.
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Yeah, this guy just isn’t catching a break. Thank you for reading. 🙂
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Reblogged this on omigacouk.
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Squash, the first sign of revenge ☺ Good story.
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Haha. 😀 Thanks for reading. 🙂
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I enjoyed this. I am a farmer’s daughter and I use to garden myself. Here’s to the farmers. The working men and women.
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Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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I sure hope he shows that silly neighbour.
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I hope he shows that neighbor too. 😀
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Hi Yinglan! I nominated you for Liebster Award. You can find it here. 🙂 https://iamdorothyfromoz.wordpress.com/2016/07/30/the-liebster-award/
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Thank you for the nomination. 🙂
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