Have a beautiful weekend my dear followers!
Bio
DaveSydney is a physician. He has had pieces in Little Old Lady Comedy, 101 Words, Microfiction Monday, 50 Give or Take, Friday Flash Fiction, Grey Sparrow Journal, Bright Flash Literary Review, Disturb the Universe, Pocket Fiction, R U Joking, Entropy Squared, and Rue Scribe.
Saturday Exercise
If pushing a baby carriage while simultaneously walking a dog is multitasking, then Fred was multitasking. Randolph’s leash was tied to Little Fred’s carriage handle. It was Saturday morning – a time for Fred to take care of his son and dog while also getting some exercise. Tired, however, he pointed the tethered carriage in the direction of his usual park bench. If he sat for 45 minutes or more, watching the joggers, dog-walkers, and couples go by, would Cheryl ever guess? She hadn’t suspected week after week so far. His only concerns were Little Fred’s whining and Randolph’s bark.
“Isn’t it nice you all had a good walk?” That was how Cheryl would greet them after an hour or more.
“Fresh air and exercise are good for all three of you.”
“Hey, Fred.”
It was his brother-in-law, Mel. But at the park, on Saturday? Why wasn’t Mel at a casino?
As though anticipating the question, Mel explained he was low on money. He’d given what he had to Francine – Fred’s sister-in-law, Cheryl’s younger sister.
“She’s going out to her nail salon and then a new French restaurant.”
And of all places to go himself, how did Mel choose the park?
His brother-in-law occupied most of Fred’s bench. At least Fred thought of it as his.
Francine would surprise Cheryl – treat the two of them to a pleasant morning at the salon, followed by an equally pleasant meal, and French to boot. She suggested Mel go to the park.
“She’s always telling me how you walk around the whole place, with Little Fred and that dog. She hears about it so much from Cheryl.”
He looked from the carriage, to Randolph drooling on Fred’s shoe, to his brother-in-law.
“If you don’t mind, Fred, I’ll just sit here while you walk around.”
Around the perimeter with Little Fred crying and Randolph straining to urinate on every bush? Multitasking? Who needs that early on a Saturday?
“And, Mel?… Just promise not to tell Cheryl. I don’t want it getting back to Francine that I didn’t walk some of the way with you.”
Announcement
Literary Revelations was pleased to publish Cindy Georgakas’ beautiful book Celebrating Poetry. Cindy and I will have a Zoom meeting with our readers tomorrow December 8, at 11 am Pacific Time (USA). We will discus Cindy’s book and publishing matters. Please join us.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83762520006?pwd=Fb3wyu8b7vLJRnDvKbuajQyWBPofLR.1
Have a phenomenal Zoom meeting and super congratulations to you, Gabriela and Cindy!
Thank you so much Francisco. I will get back to you as soon as I can.
You’re very welcome Gabriela. All the best. No pasa nada, I am here…
Moltes gràcies, Francisco.
De res Gabriela. Una abraçada i feliç vesprada.
Thank you so much, Francisco! ❤️
Always a pleasure Cindy!
What a great story by Dave and so relatable, I must say!
Can’t wait to see you soon, Gabriela!
❤️