December 17th 1903
“Do I have to?” begged Orville.
“Yes” said Wilbur.
“Well I’ve changed my mind”
“You’ll be alright. I’m your brother. I wouldn’t ask you to if it was dangerous”.
“Why me, not you?” pleaded Orville.
“Because I don’t like heights,” said Wilbur. “Hop aboard. I’ll surround you with cushions, so if it goes wrong you won’t get hurt”
“What do you mean if it goes wrong? You said it’s safe”
Orville’s pathetic pleas went unheeded. Minutes later Wright Flyer 1 spluttered into life, and the fragile timber and cloth contraption bounced its way off the ground and into the air.
“Oooo … I don’t like it … I hate you Wilbur Wright” yelled Orville.
Twelve seconds and 125 triumphant feet later, the flying machine bumped back to earth. Orville tumbled out and sat clutching his tummy.
That evening Wilber stood before an assembled crowd.
“One day man will cross hostile terrains, fly above oceans. Travel to distant places. One day even the stars.”
“Bugger that” shouted Orville. “You can do it without me. I’m off for a beer”
Word count 175
I originally posted a longer version of this piece in 2008 and hardly anybody read it! So, here it is again but with less than half the number of words!
Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers is hosted by Priceless Joy. The photo is by Yinglan
As a I youngster I visited Greenfield Village here and saw the Wright Brothers bicycle shop. That visit has stayed with me for mumble-bumble years. A few years ago I read David McCullough’s book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I have a little piece of humor to go along with the memories. Thanks.
Interesting, I didn’t realise they were into bicycles. Thanks Denise
Loved the way Orville reacted. I guess he must have picked up airsickness.😁😁
That’s what I thought! If only this tale was true…! Thanks for dropping by.
I love how your story was based on the Wright brothers! LOL! Cute story!
Thanks so much PJ
🙂 Enjoyed your take on this one.
Thanks so much YS
If they hadn’t invented powered flight, someone else would have. In fact, the first steam-powered aircraft engine was patented in 1842.
I learn something every day! Cheers James.
Haha! Loved your take, Keith. Who knows, maybe this was how it went down!
I’d like to think so! Thanks Varad
I’m sure they were like any other brothers, squabbling away. Good fun Keith.
Quite probably! Thanks Iain
I really enjoy your sense of humor! (I need to quit reading and do some writing, woefully behind in my flash prompts!)
I know that feeling! Thanks Donna
Hi Keith – wonderful take … think of bicycling off the White Cliff of Dover with a few padded cushions and some tent fabric around to keep one airborne … gosh I’d have been off to the pub too … for more than one beer!! Cheers Hilary
That was probably what it felt like to Orville! Thanks Hilary.
I do wonder if the Wright brothers, realised how flight and flying would take off.
Me too – like the pun!
Heeheehee! Excellently funny take on the situation.
That’s kind of you Mimi, thank you.
Haha. Loved the hilarious take (Btw, is the longer version still there on your blog?)
Thank Bernadette. No, it’s not. There were so many errors I decided to wipe it and start again with this rendition!
Historical flash fiction! I’m with Orville – a few beers will make it all seem better.
Ellespeth
It always works for me! Cheers Ellespeth
LOL. Loved the dialogue. I wonder how many feats have actually been forced on the person performing and have been done under duress. Yes lets get a beer.
Quite a few I would think. Mines a pint. Yours?
At this time of day probably a ginger beer thanks.
What a fun take on history! Loved it.
I’d have learned so much more if history was more fun at school!
Absolutely agreed!
Great take on an important moment in history.
Thanks so much.