Image courtesy of Sandra Crook
‘What is it?’ Disappointment drips through every word and my heart cracks a little more. I’ve got it wrong. Again.
She reaches for her phone to plaster my failure over Facebook no doubt.
‘It’s a symbol of love.’ I take her hand in mine. ‘The circle represents something that has no end. The gold emblem because you’re precious and the point is…’ My eyes sweep the room, settling on the book of Everest in the bookcase. ‘A promise there’s no mountain we can’t overcome,’ I kiss her palm. ‘Together.’
‘Oh I LOVE it.’ Her fingertips slip into the waistband of my jeans while I desperately hope she never finds the packaging for the revolutionary new cleaning appliance designed to make her life easier.
It’s the thought that counts.
For those of you who missed it on my blog last week I was chatting to Harper Collins author Darren O’Sullivan about positivity, gratitude and whether you really can visualise your way onto the bestsellers list. I believe so. You can catch up with that here.
I make no apologies for going a tad over the word count this week because it’s Christmas! ‘It’s the thought’ was written for Friday Fictioneers. A weekly 100 word story challenge inspired by a photo prompt hosted by the fabulous Rochelle. Wishing everyone a very happy festive season and huge thanks to Rochelle for all her hard work this year keeping us going!
fabricating fiction 
And there are many thoughts possible about the same object. That made me smile, Louise
Thanks Neil. Thought I’d try something light hearted for a change 🤗
Hahaha. It’s indeed the thought that counts though I am certain there’d be a ping-pong of words when she finds out what it really is. Poor guy, he tried, his best, perhaps.
Great story, Louise.
Thanks. I don’t think he’ll ever get it right!
Such a thoughtful partner. Though I feel his gift may never realise its full potential.
He tried!
I shall now re-evaluate every present I’ve ever received!
And possibly given!
He should’ve asked her what she wanted. Nicely done.
Yes those hint things never seem to work!
Oh, this is SO funny!
Thank you!
Married to an supremely practical man, I’ve learned to accept the revolutionary cleaning devices for what they are–his way of loving. I hope the girl in this story catches on soon.
Aww that’s lovely.
Dear Louise,
Nothing says “I care,” like a food processor. 😉 As for blasting it all over Facebook…hm…one of my pet peeves indeed. I like FB for networking but not for hanging dirty laundry.
As one who obsesses over word count, I dare you to edit out the extra words. 😉 Good one
Shalom,
Rochelle
Hehe not a chance! I’m always meticulous about the word count so going over is my Christmas gift to myself 🙄
He would get a free pass from me. Contrary to popular belief I do have a soft side. 😀 Lovely story.
Aww me too.
He’s done well to rescue that situation there, I admire his quick-thinking, if not his choice in gifts!
A quicker thinker than me!
I think the thought does count, but it’s not the ONLY thing that does 😉
I think so too! Merry Christmas.
Love his groping round the room, searching for an extra meaning to his gift! She does sound like a lady who’s hard to please. And plastering his failures over social media? What a baggage! Great tale Louise
‘What a baggage’ I’ve never heard that one before! Thanks Lynn.
Haha! Yes, love that phrase! What a joy the English language is 🙂
Ha ha – saved by a bit of quick thinking! Loved this.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thanks so much for reading Susan.
Presents can be so difficult to choose, can’t they? Your humorous tale is a warning to all male readers that very, very few women would prefer a domestic appliance to a nice piece of jewellery, beautifully wrapped and presented in a suitably romantic fashion!
My husband did ask if it was based on him…
Romantic…well… It’s the thought that counts and his was that she should do the cleaning. This relationship is going to take work. 😉
I think all relationships do! Thanks for reading Christine.
Ha! My husband proudly gave me an upright vacuum cleaner for Christmas one year. I smiled and said, “Thank you.” Ah, well, he does try. Fun take on the prompt.
Hmm my husband tries too!
this story made me smile. loved it. 🙂
Then my work is done! Thank you & Merry Christmas.
Gotta love thoughts in the moment…
Mine: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2017/12/14/lighting-the-way/
Scott
You do! Thanks.
UR welcome.
Ha ha ha ha. It DID look like a toilet cleaner to me too 🙂 Good fun!
I didn’t know what it was until I read a couple of other stories!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks for reading!
👍👍👍
Ha, nice save 🙂
Yes very quick thinking!
Ha ha, yeah, buying your lady love a cleaning appliance always carries some risk. Much better to buy her a symbol of love, even if the two are one and the same!
He tried I guess!
That made me smile, great stuff.
Thanks Sally 😃
A sugar coated cleaning device but still just that. Great write.
Thank you!
And with a poetic mind you can describe any appliance as a gift of love… reminds me of a few gifts that were not so well thought.
Hehe – I bet you could – you’re the most talented poet I know!
What a thoughtful and sensitive chap
Isn’t he just!
Honestly, when i was married I always wanted the latest greatest gadget to make my life easier over something sparkly.
Although sparkly is nice too 🙂
There’s definitely room for both.
Hilarious, Louise. He’s really a quick thinker. Great writing as always. 😀 — Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne.