This Carrot Ranch flash fiction challenge response comes on the heels of my latest Six Sentence Story, with more on Robert who is back on the family farm after serving in Lincoln’s War. In rereading the prompt, I may have missed the mark, as there’s no bucket of water, though there’s scalding water behind the barn. This is where the prompt led.
March 21, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that features a bucket of water. What is the condition of the water and what is the bucket for? Drop deep into the well and draw from where the prompt leads! Respond by March 26.
***
Thomas looked up as Robert bolted past. From the barn their father, bare-armed, bloody to his elbows, also watched.
“Thomas!”
“Yes, Pa?”
“Thomas, I need an extra pair of hands. Bring those buckets and come around the back of the barn.”
“Yes Pa. Pa? I thought you didn’t want me helpin’ with that chore yet.”
“Looks like I need you now. You know it’s got to be done, right Thomas?”
“ I know. Them pigs was always meant to feed us.”
“That’s right Thomas. And Thomas? I don’t want you pesterin’ Robert no more for stories about the war.”
***
That’s a tough chore. So much going on in this little snippet, D. It makes me want more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, all of a sudden this Robert is back. There is more posted earlier; Reckoning, Seeing the Elephant, Scion, and last week’s World Traveler, but I have a feeling there’s more to come.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope Thomas can restrain himself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This boy will do as his Pa wishes, he sees his older brother is struggling.
LikeLike
Great response. All things come in their own time, including wisdom, sometimes by the bucketful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s farm wisdom here but I suspect Robert is going to continue to have tough moments because of his war experiences.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think any of them ever fully recover. So sad.
LikeLike
I love that last line – Thomas was right to wonder why his dad wanted his extra help! It does seem the dad had an ulterior (but good) motive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Yeah, it seems like the family is starting to see how troubled Robert is from his time in the war. In an earlier flash we learned that he had worked in a field hospital.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting! I think I should take some time to look at the earlier flashes if I can!
LikeLiked by 2 people
There in here somewhere. Search: Reckoning, Seeing the Elephant, Scion, and last week’s World Traveler, or better yet, the first three are in my book, After Ever.
Yikes, another unplanned series.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always love the flow of your words.. Poor Robert. I guess the sight of blood was just too much for him..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, Robert has seen enough.
Thanks for the kind comment.
LikeLike
I’m glad Robert is emerging again, bringing Thomas into the story more fully. You handled this scene deftly, showing what is unfolding on the farm post-war.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Business as usual on the farm, seasonal chores, etc. Don’t know how the story’s going to unfold as I never planned to write it. But stay tuned anyway. Thanks, Boss.
LikeLike
Pingback: A Bucket of Water « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
Pingback: Against the Window | ShiftnShake
Pingback: Different Drum CRLC Challenge | ShiftnShake