“Well, that’s that,” Joe said as he reached for my hand. Staying silent, I let the distance between us widen.
Trying again, Joe confidently declared: “It’s the best thing for him.”
“Don’t spew that party line crap at me! This isn’t how things were supposed to go.”
“For heaven’s sake, Lisa, it’s a day cruise for singles! You’re not launching him onto an ice float to die!”
“I’ll be sure to remind you of that when it’s your mum’s turn.”
“What … no … she … hrmph.”
Magnanimous in victory, I grabbed his hand. “I know. Letting go is hard.”
PHOTO PROMPT © Peter Abbey
Thanks for the photo inspiration to Rochelle’s Friday Fictioners
Tina Stewart Brakebill 
I misread that the first time. The second time I was so relieved! Fun story (on the second read!)
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😉😊
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They grow up so fast, as it were! Sounds like they’ve made a difficult decision, I’m glad it wasn’t the ice float though.
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Thanks 🙏 😇
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Dear Tina,
It sounds like the parents have become the children. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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😉☺️
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Letting go is tough for all of us 🙂
It will be his mom’s turn soon!
Happy that they are being sent for a cruise. Hope they enjoy! Party time!
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🎉😊
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A cute conversation and a great snippet of personalities in just 100 words.
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😊
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Well, turnabout is fair play! Loved the natural humor of the dialogue.
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Thank you 🙏
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You’re welcome. 😉
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Haha. Love how you finished this. Good dialogue too. I have my fingers crossed for the success of the singles’ cruise.
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Thanks 😊
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Nicely done.
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☺️
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I love this, Tina! Child letting go of parent to maybe discover love again.
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😊
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I hope the respective parents enjoy their cruise and laugh about their overbearing grown-up kids. Great dialogue and fun read.
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😊😉
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No one easily accepts the possibility of a parent marrying someone other than Mom or Dad. It just seems out of order. Often, though, it ends in a happily ever after 🙂
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Thanks 🙏
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I am sure he will manage just fine, but will he return from the cruise or fly off with someone he met? I like how you show the emotions and who is in control through the attempted hand holding.
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Thanks! 😊
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I read this twice and both times I had different takes. One was very sad and I think I’m going with that one with hopes the boat trip is healing for her.
This: “This isn’t how things were supposed to go”, I’m not sure it ever is for anyone. Yet we keep hoping they will. I guess that makes us optimists, or…?
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Thanks for reading. ☺️
I actually rewrote it several times because it was SUPER sad before.
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It sounds like the single’s cruise might be shaking feelings loose for everyone! I enjoyed the variety of emotions you displayed here. -Angela
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Thanks!
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If we’re lucky, there comes that time when we switch places with our parents. I love the humorous twist you took on this subject. Very well done, Tina; it certainly gave me a chuckle.
~ Nancy
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Thanks! 😊
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Lovely. And true.
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I hope it’s not the one-way ticket I think it is.
Great dialogue.
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Reader’s choice 😉 (thanks)
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This made me smile, thank you!
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Thank YOU 😊
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