Quitting time at the Tasty Burger came none too soon for Harry. It had been a long day and he was ready for home.
“Heading out Frank… need anything?”
The manager of the small burger joint marveled at his star employee. Top student and star pitcher, on top of a full-time job. How did he do it all?
“Hold on a sec and I’ll drive you home”
Harry replied with his often-repeated response.
“Got a ride, but thanks.” With that, Harry quickly walked out the door.
Harry was good liar. He came by it honestly; his dad had been a good liar too. Like when he said he was going to work every morning, but instead went to the local bar. And how the old run-down house would someday be worth something.
“People hear what they want to hear,” his dad told him during a moment of sobriety.
“Never let anyone know you are on the down and out” was another of his quotable quotes.
Words were all Harry’s dad left him after running off a year ago, looking for a clean start without the constraints of a wife and son.
Words, and that shabby house Harry called home.
Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge to write a short, 200-word story inspired by a photograph. Many thanks go to Mike Vore for supplying this week’s photo.
Redbuds and Roserocks 
This was a beautiful story. Harry might share some personality traits with his old man but I feel he’s the complete opposite in character. Very well done in bringing out both the similarities and dissimilarities between the two of them within 200 words. And I love the way how the prompt is just casually mentioned at the end but is a powerful device in itself. Cheers, Varad
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you sharing them with me.
People hear what they want to hear. Indeed they do! Nice one.
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Thank you!
‘He came by it honestly.’ This line transforms the story, gives it an unexpected depth.
Excellent
I appreciate the kind words ceayr. Thanks for reading.
I hope Harry turns a corner and finds his dream.
He is a tough kid, I’m sure he will succeed. Thanks for reading
Survival instincts on full display. Brilliant writing.
Thank you Neel
A great story.
Thank you Mike!
The similarities and the dissimilarities of Harry and his liar dad are well juxtaposed.At least Harry has a roof over his head. loved the unhindered flow of your story.
http://ideasolsi65.blogspot.in/2017/07/sunday-photo-fiction-july-16th-mike.html
I’m glad you liked the story. Thanks for your comments
I like the story Susan. Good background and the difference between father and son is plain.
Thank you. I appreciate your comments