Running the Gauntlet
Almost past. If she could keep him occupied and interested for just another few feet, he’d miss it.
“So what kinds of new things are you learning at school? Tell me the name of your new teacher again?”
“What? Huh?” His eyes were scanning and she knew he’d see it. Why did they have to pass that temptation? Now that he was reading, the world was open to him.
She started to hum and swing his little hand as they walked briskly down the path. Then, it happened.
“MOM! – Look!!! They have TOYS THAT FLY!! Can I have one? Please please please???”
Sigh.
The photo prompt is courtesy of Ted Strutz. Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Links to all the other Flash Friday Fictioneers can be found here.
© Erin Leary
erinlearywrites 
Oh, how I know that feeling of hoping and praying a child doesn’t see “IT.” Good job!
Have I ever done that!! You got it in one there, Erin.
Toys That Fly!! How can a kid ever resist that. Good one, Erin! Nice take.
I recall being a kid myself. Fortunately there are advantages with kids reading also.
Hey Erin,
There’s not a parent out there anywhere who can’t relate to your story! I mistyped my link in the list. Here’s the real deal: http://bridgesareforburning.wordpresss.com Ron
You hit the proverbial nail on the head, Erin. Good job. She needed someone else to provide the distraction. That’s why I had Bill around. 🙂
Been there, done that, bought the toy…
I have seen what troubles kids give to their parents!
Some of my nieces and nephews too!
Nice work!
I raised three sons. Been there done that…and my first one was reading at age 4.
Love this happy little piece. Best use of the photo prompt I’ve seen so far!
Dear Erin,
There needs to be a ‘Love it’ button to click. ‘Like’ just doesn’t cut it. Your story was one of the most rue to life, happy, and perfectly written 100 words I’ve ever read. The world truly does open up when our children learn to read and you described the fortunate and unfortunate results of that in your story. Very well done.
Aloha,
Doug
The story of my life lol. Very well done, so relatable
I go through this every time I set foot out of the house with the kids, or the right commercial comes on the television. I can so relate to this.
Ha! Every parent can relate… well done. ‘Now that he was reading…”!
Great story, still have the plastic to show how weak I am in the face of such situations.
He’s reading. Yippee! Next come the TV ads for toys and stuff, etc. Then compete with kids at school for expensive sneakers. Wonder how parents do it today…especially with all the techie gadgets the kids beg for today. Anne has the answer…just hand over the plastic and hope daddy gets another raise soon.
How cute. But kids will be kids.