Friday Fictioneer is a weekly challenge to write a complete story in 100 words or less based on a photo prompt. Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting this challenge and J.Hardy Carroll for this week’s prompt.
‘So, your Dad was a boxer?’ Mark turned to see Cecilia wiping away a tear.
‘Nah, he never boxed. Said he was too slow. But he loved the sport. Mantequilla was his idol.”
Across the street stood the old building owned by her father. It was his American dream-come-true. Then ICE came, banishing him from his home of 30 years.
‘Do you think you will be able to carry on his legacy? What do you know about running a business?”
Cecilia squeezed her husband Mark’s hand.
“I know enough,” said Cecilia. “I am my father’s daughter.”
Sweet. She’ll learn as she goes…
Like a of us. Thanks!
Your story is as smooth as butter. By telling us that Cecilia’s father fell foul of ICE you tell us that he was an illegal immigrant. By telling us he idolised Mantequilla you confirm that he was probably Mexican (possibly Cuban). You confirm that Cecilia is married to Mark and can therefore stay in the USA. Nicely done, Susan.
Your comment means a lot to me. Thank you.
Lovely warm take on a chilly image. Cecilia will succeed for her dad.
I appreciate the kind words. Thank you
Dear Susan,
I agree with Penny. You packed a lot of story into your 100 words. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Your praise means a lot Rochelle. Thank You.
Excellent story Susan. I admire her for not letting the system beat her down.
Thank you Iain for the kind words.
I’m conflicted over this one. It won’t make me popular, I’m sure, to wonder if her father had taken the steps toward gaining citizenship, maybe he wouldn’t have lost his business. Maybe it will go better for his daughter and her spouse.
You will never be unpopular with me 🙂 My intent was not to pass judgment on the father’s immigration status (not sure how successful i was). In a longer piece I might have explored his efforts to become a citizen (if there were any). I might have made his daughter a Dreamer. There are so many possibilities around immigration. I wanted this story to be about a father’s legacy and relationship with his daughter. There is another story here and maybe I will explore that one another day. Thank you for your comment; they are always appreciated.
You accomplished what you set out to do. Totally sympathetic characters, and it’s probably best not to politicize the story.
A great deal expressed in your story. An interesting twist from a different prospective.
Daring and accomplished writing. I enjoyed your take on the photo prompt.
Isadora 😎
Thank you. You are most kind.
To be illegal is something you are forever…. it amazes me that it’s possible to live and prosper for so long… I’m sure his daughter will manage the business well.
I’m sure she will. Thanks Bjorne