A short story!

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Len fancied taking up diving. He thought he’d practice in the park before braving the sea. 

He stood upright in a pedalo like a latter-day Christopher Columbus. ‘Fobble-ible-oble’ he said; speaking with a snorkel in your gob isn’t easy!

Wifey Laura started peddling. Unfortunately, the boat was still tied the bank. It jerked to a halt and Len toppled into the lake. Unperturbed, he clambered back aboard. Someone untethered them, and away they went, stopping in the middle. 

Len jumped into the water unaware that it was only two feet deep – or in his case, two knees deep!

He’s gone off the idea now!

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Prod Froggie to visit the squares!

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PHOTO PROMPT © Lisa Fox

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Thanks to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers

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24 thoughts on “A short story!”

  1. Suzette Benjamin's avatar Suzette Benjamin December 31, 2025 / 12:10

    Great story, Keith. I’m glad Len has decided against any future “diving” efforts. Love your artwork!

  2. rochellewisoff's avatar rochellewisoff December 31, 2025 / 12:24

    Dear Keith,

    Loved “with a snorkel in your gob.” Puts me in mind of one of the regular swimmers at my pool. 😉 Fun story. Happy New Year!

    Shalom,
    Rochelle

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings December 31, 2025 / 17:29

      Thanks, Rochelle, Every group has someone who’s different!

  3. Sandra's avatar Sandra December 31, 2025 / 13:11

    He shouldn’t let a small thing like broken knee caps put him off. Not if he’s really keen.

  4. beth's avatar beth December 31, 2025 / 14:31

    probably a good call )

  5. Sadje's avatar Sadje December 31, 2025 / 15:34

    Haha! They still had an adventure.

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings December 31, 2025 / 16:34

      Not quite the one they expected, but an adventure all the same!

      • Sadje's avatar Sadje January 1, 2026 / 01:24

        Exactly! Better luck next time.

  6. Neil MacDonald's avatar Neil MacDonald December 31, 2025 / 16:59

    Now there’s a man who learns from his mistakes

  7. Christine Goodnough's avatar Christine Goodnough December 31, 2025 / 17:19

    Calls to mind a ’60s commercial about water safety:
    “And never dive unless you know
    The water’s not too shallow and it’s clear below.”

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings December 31, 2025 / 17:51

      I guess he never saw it! There is a message on the hut door saying something about swimming at your own risk – that should have made him a little more cautious!

  8. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li December 31, 2025 / 19:05

    Keith, sometimes it does seem like the forces of the universe converge against us. I’m glad you made it a story that has me laughing in its face <3

  9. messymimi's meanderings's avatar messymimi's meanderings January 1, 2026 / 01:10

    He needs proper lessons. Those park entrance kiosks must be very common.

    I pray you have a blessed and beautiful 2026!

  10. Prior's avatar Prior January 4, 2026 / 03:48

    Really fun and it is tough to speak
    With the diving ask and snorkel – that was a fun part too

  11. Nandini Deka's avatar Nandini Deka January 4, 2026 / 06:50

    nice story….. Have a great 2026!

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