As he drove his car up the drive, Rex saw that every light in the house had been lit, making the windows glow like a wall of old masters in mahogany frames: shabby sitting room piled with books, bedrooms showing unmade beds and in the kitchen, the silhouettes of his grown-up daughters, arguing. He could imagine the conversation:
“I’m going to call the police.”
“No! That’s what he wants. The attention.”
“But he might be dead, in a ditch somewhere.”
“Then let him stay there. Teach him a lesson.”
“Margaret!”
“I mean it.”
Rex put his car into reverse.
***
This week my story was also inspired by a long weekend I spent in the Gothic Temple in Stowe Landscape gardens, which my husband organised for my birthday. This magnificent building can be rented from the Landmark Trust. On Sunday night we put all the lights on and went out into the dark. It looked amazing.
***
For those who don’t know how Friday Fictioneers works, this picture (this time supplied by Dawn M. Miller) is our inspiration for our weekly online writing group hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Click here to read other people’s amazing stories or to join in. And please comment below with any suggestions for improvement on mine.
Claire Fuller 
Dear Claire,
It sounds like Rex’s family put the D in dysfunctional. I can only imagine where this story is going. Nice one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. I don’t know where this story is going either!, but thanks for your comments.
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Made me smile. I like the reversal of the responsibility expectation.
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Thanks Hilary. Glad you liked it.
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Claire,
I love your description. Sounds like the kind of place I’d love to visit. It sounds like Rex has his family all figured out, but I’m wondering how much of the conversation is probable and how much he is making up. Very interesting piece.
-David
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They probably aren’t arguing about him at all. Everyone always thinks it’s about them, and it never is.
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I wonder whether any of them are enlightened or all imagining things worse or different than they are. If the story’s true, I feel sorry for all of them. As David said, the descriptions of the house sound so friendly, a sharp contrast with the attitudes of the people.
janet
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I’m glad that worked; it wasn’t intentional! Thanks for your comments, Janet.
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I could see where a guy might not want to come home to that at the end of a hard day. Nicely done Claire, I felt for poor Rex.
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I reckon Rex might deserve it… but we’ll see. Thanks, Sandra.
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that Gothic Temple sounds awesome! i agree with David’s comment. certainly an interesting piece. it makes me wonder about the father’s intentions.. 🙂
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Loved reading this, Claire. Very thought provoking.
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Thanks, Jane. Hope you’re well.
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I like the way you used the prompt. Well done.
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Thanks
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I love the atmosphere you set and the picture of the house I can visualize. It definitely left me wanting to read more.
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Thanks Deanna, glad you enjoyed it.
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Dysfunctional family at its finest. I love the play on responsible and irresponsible. Great story. I think I’d like to visit that Gothic temple. It’s lovely.
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It was an amazing building, so atmospheric.
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Very natural dialogue. I could almost hear them shouting. I think I would have avoided going inside too if possible.
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Thanks Patricia.
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Didn’t sound like they would miss him. Good story. Hope you had a good birthday. I celebrated mine Monday too.
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Happy birthday! Mine’s actually this coming Sunday – the trip was an early present.
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What a story…. imagining the rest of the story… so many possibilities.
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Thanks. Yes, I’m not sure which way it’s going next…
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The scene is so real, the dialogue jumps off the page. What an incredible experience… lighting up this amazing place! I am jealous. 😉
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Ah, it was wonderful, but cold!
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I would want to put my car in reverse too! Poor Rex.
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Yes, poor Rex. Although perhaps he deserves it…
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Ah I see! Will there be more of him to come?
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I can just imagine poor Rex driving up, hearing that and thinking “right, off to the pub then!”
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Wouldn’t we all!
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Loved the short story – poor Rex, reverse has to be his destination. This is definitely a dysfunctional family – so if it’s his family, he’s partly to blame. Really not from the “Father Knows Best” or “Leave it to Beaver” era. By the way, love the Gothic Temple. What a wonderful gift your husband gave you. Neat place! Nan
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Thanks, Nan. Rex is definitely to blame for his dysfunctional family. The Gothic Temple was a wonderful place to stay.
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Skillfully crafted, Claire. Strong ending.
Cheers!
Marie Gail
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Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Claire
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I always look forward to reading your stories, Claire. I loved the way you likened the scenes in the house to old masters. There are so many stories through the windows of a lighted house at night.
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ah, family life…always something to keep us occupied and entertained. you pulled me in right from the start. enjoyed this scene you crafted.
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No wonder Rex decided to reverse-no point going in where you are not loved or needed-what a sad state for a family to be in!Guess the e=wife is dead-lucky?An interesting take on the prompt Claire with a lot of possibilities:-)
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Lovely story. Hope it turned out well. Background re Stowe is interesting. Fun thing to do.
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Glad to be enlightened lol, nice take on it 🙂
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Rex clearly had good reasons to elope… Hmmm maybe he got their attention after a while.
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What an awesome birthday present. Happy belated.
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Just hope for Rex’s sake his imagination is spot on!
Would hate a misunderstanding here..
Loved the piece
it does leave a lot of possibilities for the reader to think on 😀
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