Photo credit: G=] (Flickr)
The sea of sheep kept coming, crowding the narrow road. Herral shouted, trying to pull the donkey another step further against the tide.
His grandpa tsked. “Come now, no need for that.”
“But we’re going to be late for market!”
“Yes, we are.”
Herral seethed.
“We can shout and fume and be somewhat less late. Or we can thank the gods for the excuse to rest.”
Gazing at the wooly barrier, Herral shrugged, his anger fading. They moseyed to the back of the cart, sitting on the lip. “Apple, Grandpa?”
“Mm, perfect.”
The stream of sheep leaving looked almost peaceful.
Word count: 100. Written for this week’s Friday Fictioneers photo prompt, hosted bythe ever-inspiring Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. See the original photo below, and click here to read the other stories.
Photo © Sandra Crook
Tales from Eneana 
Nice twist on the prompt from the world of Eneana, Joy. And a great life lesson too – just chill and enjoy the rest! Lovely idea. 🙂
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Thanks Lynn! I’m stressed by some roadblocks and deadlines at work, and this morning I’ve been fighting computer problems, so I needed a reminder to calm down and not let it get to me!
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Haha! Giving your self advice through your writing? I like that idea 🙂 Hope the stress has melted away now
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Not quite. I’m better at giving myself advice than taking it. Making progress, though. 😉
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Well it worked for me 😀 Well done.
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Thanks, I’m happy to hear that!
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Great wisdom there.. thanks for an opportunity to rest… it could save a few from heart attacks I think.
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Thanks, Björn — I agree, keep a lid on your stress and your heart will last longer.
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Oh, I really like this. Panic turned to a restful time full of good conversation and fruit. Kudos.
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Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I was imagining they were hauling a big basket of apples to the market, might as well stop and enjoy one while they’re waiting.
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A different perspective is always useful!
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Well, when it’s a calming influence like Grandpa, yes. A lot of us could use a little of that, I think. Thanks for reading, Ali!
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When life throws you a sea of wool, eat an apple! 😉
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It’s a better approach than stressing out about it! 😀
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Nice take Joy and wise Grandpa. Enjoyable to rest, the market will still be open when the sheep move.
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That’s what I was thinking too, they’ll still get to market eventually. And whether being late is a problem or not, getting upset about what you can’t change just makes it worse. Thanks Amanda!
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Dear Joy,
Nice to see a peaceful side to Eneana.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle! It’s mostly peaceful, like the real world. But also like the real world, the crises and tragedies are what get all the press.
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Nice, worm story…the words of the wise.
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Thanks, glad you liked it!
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I should take that advice too. Two wise men, grandpa and grandson. I just hope their cart isn’t full of apples, sheep love them. 😀
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Yeah, I could use that advice myself today! Thanks — I hadn’t thought about the sheep wanting the apples, uh-oh! Well maybe it’s not apples they’re taking to market after all…. 😉
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Lovely fic in such few words!
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Glad you liked it — thanks for reading!
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I love this – why get angry over things you cannot change?
It brings to mind the character in the film Bridge Of Spies who remains calm when he is arrested and charged. The lawyer comments on how he expected him to be angrier and he says simply “would it help?”
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I haven’t seen “Bridge of Spies” – what a great line that is! And yes, I agree that Grandpa has the right of it. I only hope that by the time I’m Grandpa’s age, I’ll have mastered this practice myself. Keep practicing, I suppose. Thanks for reading!
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I often think of that line and wish that I could keep that calm. Maybe one day 🙂
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Good story, Joy. I guess we have to just do what we can then sit back and trust all will go well. Good writing. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne, glad you enjoyed it — thanks for reading!
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Great take. At last someone who is prepared to just watch the world go by because fretting won’t help
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Thanks, glad you liked it! Have to admit Grandpa is more inspiration than autobiography, but I’m working on it.
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I love Grandpa’s reasoning and Herral’s realisation of the truth of it. The final touch at the back of the cart with the apple works perfectly.
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Thanks, Millie. I especially liked the image of them sitting on the back of the cart watching the sheep all leaving while they relaxed with their snack.
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