Watching Over

Photo by: J Hardy Carroll

Trin stood with her friend Brianna. They watched as Trin’s mother, Thanh, visited her father’s grave site.

“I think my Mom’s going nuts,” said Trin.

“Why?” said Brianna.

“She actually believes she’s talking to my Dad.”

“Gawd!”

“She still really loves him. My Dad flew the plane she escaped in from Saigon. She still says he’s a hero.”

“Aw,” murmured Brianna. “Hey, does she know you’re doing it with Brian?”

“No! She has no way of knowing.”

Thanh returned to the two girls. She said, “Your father’s proud of you, Trin. He also says use a condom next time.”
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Happy Veteran’s Day. This was written for the Friday Fictioneers. Look here to find the stories written by other folks. Just click on the blue link: https://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/2015/11/11/13-november-2015/

I wrote another story – not a funny one – that more firmly celebrates Veteran’s Day:

The Difference

Victor’s sixteen-year old niece, Miriam, was learning about history and politics. So he took her to see her grandfather’s grave. He pointed. “He’s right there. Died fighting for freedom over Germany.”

Miriam snorted. “Lot of good it did. There’s many people in the world without freedom. What difference did it make?”

“You have freedom.”

Miriam scowled. “There’s oppression in many countries. Why don’t they rise up and demand their freedoms?”

“In those countries, their graves are filled with people who demanded freedom.”

“So?”

Victor waved his hand across the headstones. “This graveyard is filled with those who fought for it.”

About EagleAye

I like looking at the serious subjects in the news and seeking the lighter side of the issue. I love satire and spoofs. I see the ridiculous side of things all the time, and my goal is to share that light-hearted view.
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37 Responses to Watching Over

  1. Dear Eric,

    I don’t have to choose between these two stories, do I? I really loved them both for different reasons. At any rate, I’ll bet Trin will never doubt Tranh again, will she?

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    • EagleAye says:

      Nope. No choice is necessary. I’m glad you liked both. I wrote the second one first, but wasn’t sure about it. My wife said she liked it and thought I should still post it. And yeah, Trin is thinking differently about her mom now. 😉 Thanks much, Rochelle! 🙂

      Like

  2. ansumani says:

    That’s a smart mother ….Nice stories.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Lyn says:

    Can’t possibly choose. Love them both for different reasons 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  4. C- The flippant teenage POV works well in both pieces. The message in the second piece was powerful and timely.

    Liked by 1 person

    • EagleAye says:

      The teenage POV seems to be the common thread between them. Or at least educating the younger generations to appreciate those who came before them. Thanks so much for your thoughts!

      Like

  5. List of X says:

    I hope Miriam never has to find out the hard way that when people rise up to demand freedom from oppression, about eight times out of ten it ends in defeat, and ninth time it works only to institute a different type of oppression.

    Liked by 1 person

    • EagleAye says:

      Absolutely right. It’s scary how often the new boss is so much like the old boss, isn’t it? And yeah, Miriam should count her blessings. For her, it’s only an intellectual exercise. For many, it’s a way of life.

      Like

  6. luckyjc007 says:

    Both are great! Parents are wiser than their children give them credit for.
    We are truly blessed to have people willing to fight for Freedom!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Archon's Den says:

    Double hoorah! Nicely done – twice. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  8. jellico84 says:

    I like the second one much better. IT does make a difference! They are both very good pieces. Loved them both and thank you for the honors of reading them! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Both were good stories, Eric, but I did prefer the second one in keeping with Veteran’s Day.Well done. — Suzanne J.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. gahlearner says:

    I liked them both. No C from me this week.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Two stories, same message – the young take a bit of time to get it. Some get it earlier (Trin), others, later (Miriam). We need to be patient.
    Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. SarCou says:

    Love the stories (I’m in the minority I know but I prefer the first one – I’d love to think it was her dad, but if her mum is anything like mine used to be; she just knew!! ). No C. Where did the names come from in the first story?

    Liked by 1 person

    • EagleAye says:

      Thank you! In the first story, it really is my intention that Dad gave her Mom the lowdown. He really was “watching over” Trin from the other side, and her Mom wasn’t crazy at all. Any way folks interpret it is fine with me. Trin is the name of someone I used to know and I got the mom’s name from a list of Vietnamese girl names. I use such lists a lot. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much! 🙂

      Like

  13. I prefer the first one although both were good. I found it totally believable and brought a smile at the end.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. The Voice says:

    I’m glad you chose to include both stories. I honestly don’t know which I enjoyed more. I’m still fascinated by your ability to put a humorous twist on just about any subject. Much respect. The second story was insightful and moving. As always, well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    • EagleAye says:

      You know, when I saw the picture prompt and I was thinking it’s Veterans Day, I didn’t think anything funny could be written. So I wrote the second story, first. I prefer to write humorous stories so I continued thinking. Eventually I got to the first story. My wife liked the second and said I should still post it. I’m glad she talked me into it. Thanks so much for the glowing comments. I really appreciate it. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Excellent – both! War, and a graveyard give rise to way too many sorrowful tales, still you’ve done this week of tributes justice. The humor – perfect!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Kids just don’t stand a chance with parents who are conspiring with supernatural spying forces. Forget GPS tracking systems on phones, these kids are truly being watched!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Tena Carr says:

    I enjoyed both stories.

    Liked by 1 person

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