HOME WORK – FLASH FICTION:

RODDY’S SECRET

By Bob French

Little Jammie looked up at his father’s running medals and asked.

“Daddy, where did you get all those medals from?”

Roddy answered without thinking.  "That when he was young, he used to be a very good runner.

“Is that why Uncle Henry calls you flasher?”

This time Roddy thought for a minute, then nodded.  But buried deep in his memory were the events leading up to Jilly’s 21^st fancy dress birthday party. It was on a Friday, which was his swimming class night; something he didn’t want to miss.

On that night, someone had stollen his clothes from his locker, so Roddy had to improvise and on the way out he stole an old raincoat.  His wet trunks were uncomfortable, so as he moved through the evening streets, he removed them.

As he passed Jill’s house, friends had seen him and dragged him into the party.  It quickly became obvious what his fancy dress was and after several drinks, he was obliged to open his raincoat and from that moment onwards, he was known as flasher.

Not only did he come away with the prize for the best fancy dress, but Jill, who he later married and to cover his nick-name, he took up running and became rather good at it.

Copyright Bob French