READING TO MELISSA

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2015-04-06-bw-beacham

Copyright: Barbara W. Beacham

This is my weekly contribution to Monday’s Finish the Story, hosted by Barbara W. Beacham. Every Monday, Barb supplies a new picture prompt along with the first sentence for the story. The original story to be written should have only 100 to 150 additional words. I’ve bolded the first sentence given with the picture prompt. Be sure to click on the little blue frog in the blue box, after clicking on the link, to read the other stories.

The link for all the other stories is as follows:

https://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/2015/04/06/mondays-finish-the-story-april-6th-2015/

Genre: Humor Fiction

Word Count: 3+10+150=163

READING TO MELISSA by P.S. Joshi

“Once upon a time in a land far, far, away…”

Mom was reading to my little sister, Melissa, three years old. She had read to me and my brother, Joey, no problem. Melissa was different.

It wasn’t that Melissa was unintelligent. The trouble was probably that she was too intelligent. I was observing intently. It was lots better than a boring TV program.”

“Mommy,” said Melissa, “how come it was far, far away and not next door? How come it’s always so far away?”

“Well honey,”said Mom, patiently, “that makes it more interesting. Now just listen.”

Melissa shook her head to mean okay.

“There lived a beautiful princess.” Mom continued, still patiently.

“Mommy,” said Melissa, “how come the princess is always beautiful? Not everyone can be beautiful. It isn’t fair.”

Mom started to breathe a little faster. I’ve learned that’s not a good sign.

“Why don’t you go play for now, Melissa.” said Mom.

I whispered softly, “The End.”

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32 thoughts on “READING TO MELISSA”

    • Thanks, Ali. Yes, Mom knew her limit on patience. That could have gone on for some time. Melissa is a young realist and future women’s rights activist. No pretty fairy tales for her. 😀 — Suzanne

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    • Thanks, A Fairy Mind. She is an intelligent child. As I told my daughter, “Never be afraid to ask questions. That’s what teachers are there for.” I was a teacher and treasured a questioning child. Unfortunately, some teachers don’t. I’m so very glad you liked the story. 🙂 — Suzanne

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  3. I don’t know whether the reader is a boy or girl but that’s also a bright child. They know just what’s coming next and can supply the punch line. Mum is a bit short on patience perhaps as Melissa could do with lots of answers o feed that enquiring mind.
    xxx Huge Hugs xxx

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  4. Thanks, David. I intended the person commenting to be an older sister, but it doesn’t matter really. The mom is a bit short on patience. Maybe she just got used to her other children being quiet listeners. Melissa is different. She’s a questioner and likes to participate. My daughter didn’t like Barbie or other “princess-pretty” characters. She was dark-haired and a bit of a tomboy who liked to climb trees. Some of the books I bought for my kids were meant for participation, i.e.,a lily pad that you could lift to see the frog underneath, the picture of a ring a child could put their finger in, etc. I subscribed to Sesami Street Magazine for the kids. My son and I make a paper rocket one time from a pattern in the magazine that you could cut out and fold. There was a picture of a pad to “blast off” from. I always tried to answer questions, and told my daughter not to be afraid to ask questions of her teachers as that was what they were there for. Huge Hugs to you back. 🙂 — Suzanne

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  5. It is interesting how two children from the same family can be so different… sisters or even other siblings.
    My piece also deals with the trials of a different sibling… though sanity in dealing with someone who doesn’t listen gets to be annoying. Relationships are supposed to be about compromise, give and take, not a one sided demanding of irrational bologna.

    https://julesinflashyfiction.wordpress.com/2015/04/06/mfts-so-tell-me-again-just-how-talented-you-are-not-4-6-f/

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    • Thanks, Jules. I read your story and found it very interesting and descriptive. I raised two children who were alike in some ways and different in many others. My son is a legal secretary and my daughter’s an actor. I thoroughly agree that reading to a child should be interactive. Questions should be answered. The mother in my story was no doubt expecting Melissa to quietly listen like her siblings, but that wasn’t going to happen. Not with Melissa. 😀 — Suzanne

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  7. I was surprised by the direction of the story–but pleasantly so. I can easily picture the ‘listener’ sitting outside the reading room and stifling giggles. I do wonder how you got that clever take by looking at a simple picture of a red lake on a fog-blue backdrop.

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  8. I used to listen in on my Mom reading to my sister. This story reminded me of those days long, long ago! 🙂 Well done Suzanne! Thank you for your continuing participation in the MFtS challenge! I do appreciate you… Be well and see you next week? ^..^

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  10. A great take on the prompt! It is amazing how siblings can be so different, but that is where Nature vs Nurture can come into play.
    Very well written.

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