Martin peers through the swollen slits of his eyes.
Above him, the branches of a sycamore tree shift uneasily against a pearl grey sky, while his ears ache from the screeching of a dozen or more rooks, each registering their strident outrage at this intrusion beneath them.
The leaves surrounding him rustle as he tentatively flexes his fingers, wincing in pain.
They’d been big lads, from the sink estate north of the town, out for some fun in the suburbs, and he’s always been high on their agenda.
Not all bad news though.
This time his violin is way beyond repair.
Sorry to be late to the party; I’m always slightly flummoxed by musical prompts and this week was no exception. But today I’m celebrating the return of unlimited broadband, (oh deep joy!) so I couldn’t miss, even though it’s not a very inspiring piece. Thanks to Rochelle, the leader of the happy band of Friday Fictioneers once more, and good luck for the interview. Knock ’em dead!
castelsarrasin 
Gritty, with ironic humour, and wonderfully written, Sandra. Music doesn’t seem to be a problem for you or Martin
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Thank you Neil.
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Having struggled through piano lessons as a kid, I can understand his silver lining! Nice take 🙂
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Yes, me too. My bete noire was the violin! Thanks for reading.
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Ouch! But there is a silver lining.
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There generally is, I think. Thanks for reading Alicia.
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Ha ha, poor old Martin, but the last line made me smile!
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Thank you Clare.
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Interesting how you and Rochelle went for the same title, confused me for a moment, I knew I already read the story with that title. 🙂 That said, I love the direction you took, your Martin is such a reliable character.
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Ach! I’m one who’s always telling people to look at the titles, but in my defence I’m also the one who never reads any until I’ve posted myself. Thanks for reading and pointing that out.
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As a person with no musical talents and endless piano lessons, I can identify with Martin’s joy, not dismay, over the beating his violin took too.
Good musical story, even if you did not feel inspired!
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I’m with you on this. 🙂 Thanks.
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Great piece of writing Sandra. Loved the ending.
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Thanks Mike. 🙂
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When I was a child they decided to torture me in school, when they made me learn the church organ. Back then I would have been thrilled if something -anything- would have damaged the instrument. The last line made me smile.
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Exquisite torture, the organ. 😦 Thanks for reading.
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Poor Martin! Problem is, he might have parents so keen they’ll buy him another! Oh, what we parents put our kids through … A great tale, Sandra – despite your misgivings 🙂
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Thanks Lynn. 🙂
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My pleasure 🙂
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Good that it protected him, besides elevating him!
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Thanks for reading.
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Had not thought of a broken violin as something good… but I guess it means he can go on doing decent stuff, like drinking beer and watch football…
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And keeping his fingers flexed on texting. Thanks for reading and for the photo too.
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Whatever it takes, I guess, but just quitting would have been much easier, wouldn’t it? Love the way the title foreshadows that story.
janet
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the story
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You obviously didn’t have pushy parents, Janet. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
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I hope that violin was not a Stradivarius
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Indeed! 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
I noticed your title right away. But the meaning fits both of our stories. In mine it was the end of a life. In yours, the end of violin lesson torture. Great minds think alike. I’m happy to hear you’re back to broadbandland. Wonderful story as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. Sorry about the title – great minds think alike, hey?
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So funny you and Rochelle both chose a title that was so specific! And yes, I know what you mean about not reading any others before writing your own. I do the same. So you’re definitely off the hook.
Plus, could your stories be any more different? Methinks Martin is hoping his parents don’t foist another instrument on him…
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I expect he might not mind a guitar, but with those bully boys about… 😦
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There is that…
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Love the first 3 paras. Very clear and colourful picture painted of someone coming too after taking a beating.
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Thank you Paul.
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Ouch. Perhaps with no more violin he won’t be such a target in the future, as well as not having to practise every night.
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Double whammy!
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A great take on the prompt. I particularly liked the last line.
I picked up the violin as an adult 4 years ago and the instrument was my pleasure and my pain for the first two years but I finally broke through.
xx Rowena
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I had a violin foisted on me. I must be the world’s most unmusical person. It didn’t rest me with long, but I managed to inflict a great deal of pain on the eardrums of those responsible for the foisting. 🙂 Thanks for reading Rowena.
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Oh no!
That’s a high price to pay.
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But worth every penny, I should think.
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Every cloud!
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Yup! 🙂
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Poor boy – Mummy wanted him to learn!
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I think so!
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Nice ending that made me smile. Now that’s how you see the silver lining.
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if the violin was broken because he used it as a weapon to protect himself, it’d be worth it.
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That’s lateral thinking for you! 🙂
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Ha! Really like this – great mix of pathos and black comedy. 😀
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Thank you Poppy.
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I’m not a great lover of the violin, so one less suits me fine! A great take and a delightful read.
My little story is called The Orchestra
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Thanks Keith.
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I’d say for someone who gets flummoxed from musical prompts, you really delivered the goods on this one. Solid story. Kind of reminds me, though, of a running gag in Woody Allen’s Take The Money And Run where, as a really bad criminal, every time he fails at something, the people he tries to rob take off his glasses and step on them. 😀
Five out of five cat guts.
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Thanks for reading Kent, always appreciate a visit from you!
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You are MOST welcome, Sandra! 😀
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A wonderfully written account of the pain of playing an instrument from both prospectives, Sandra.
Playing an instrument is so much better when one has a passion for it.
Isadora 😎
p.s. thank you for introducing me to the word: flummoxed
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Thanks for reading Isadora, and pleased to have added a word to your vocabulary. Such an expressive word, I think.
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I enjoy learning more and more of this language we call English. I can’t wait to use it in conversation. : )
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I love the twist! For every musician who makes it there are hours of untold agony elsewhere.
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You’re so right! Thanks for reading.
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With hate crimes on the rise, here and in abroad, this struck a “chord.” Powerful imagery, Sandra.
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Thanks Dawn. 🙂
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Good thing he didn’t play the tuba.
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I think so. 🙂
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Ha! Ha! Starts out feeling like a sinister gang hit and then the total turn around ending.
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Thanks for reading. 🙂
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Dearest Sandra,
Better and better with the years. Loved the rooks commenting on his intrusion. You are on my mind.
Your,
Doug
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How lovely to know you’ve visited. I think of you every Wednesday. It would be nice to see you back amongst us, though I appreciate you have other kiwi to er…. fry. x
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Interesting story! That’s one way to get out of practicing.
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Well, now I have to learn what CODA means.
Thank you.
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Great story and twist at the end, Sandra. It would seem a parent wants him to take lessons and he’s glad the instrument is damaged beyond repair. It’s also a shame kids beat up on others. There’s far too much of that and the bullying which also often goes with it. Good writing as always. —- Suzanne
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