The Deep End
When he was 5, Stewart’s Dad threw him in the deep end to teach him how to swim.
Stewart sank, thrashing wildly with a total lack of coordination.
Stewart’s Mum dived in to save him.
As Mum helped Stewart out of the water, he looked towards his Dad with a fierce expression from his hitherto angelic features.
That day, all the respect and admiration he had for his Dad, remained in the pool, as he left it for good.
Stewart didn’t learn to swim until he had children of his own.
He didn’t make the same mistake.
(97 words)
It’s good to have a Literary Lion challenge once again! Thanks Laura Gabrielle Feasey.
I think this is one of the most stupid ideas, to throw a child in at the deep end and expect them to learn to swim. No wonder Steward reacted the way he did. Good stuff!
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That is so mean – throwing your young child into a pool of water and hope he learns to swim. Thank goodness for the mother! This is a great story, Graham!
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It is so heartless for a parent to do that to a child and it can have lasting negative results…if the child survives. It is known that someone can drown in just a few ounces of water…why would anyone want to put their child in such danger. Great story! 🙂
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Yes, I agree.
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Funny how such a rash decision as a parent can have a long lasting effect on a child. It’s quite terrifying really.
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Very astute observation which makes an excellent little story in itself : Parent’s rash decision. Long lasting effects. 6 word story (yours of course and not mine!)
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Haha, that definitely works as a six word story, shall we call it a collaboration?! 😀
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Yes let’s! Lol
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Good Lord, I remember my mother doing that to me at a swim lesson of all things, at the behest of the instructor. I am still a terrible swimmer to this day and panic if I can’t reach the surface easily.
“That day, all the respect and admiration he had for his Dad, remained in the pool, as he left it for good.” Loved this line. It truly stood out from the rest of the piece for me.
Well done.
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