PHOTO PROMPT – © Dale Rogerson
“Careful, boy. There’s a snake down there.”
Gavin peered over the edge of the dock. “That ain’t a snake, Pa.”
“You callin’ me stupid? Think I don’t know no snake when I see one?”
Gavin shook his head. “No, sir.”
“If it ain’t no snake what is it, Mr. Smarty-pants?”
Gavin shrugged. “Piece of a car–exhaust, maybe?”
“I’m so dumb I don’t know a snake from a piece of scrap metal? That it?”
Gavin looked down. “No, sir.”
His father’s palm connected with his cheek–hard enough to split his lip.
Gavin didn’t dare look up. He knew better.
—
Written for Friday Fictioneers.
Click here to read stories from the rest of the writers.
Adam Ickes 
October 30th, 2015 at 11:39 PM
Sad story showing abuse. It’s not safe to question your father is the statement it makes. 😛
November 2nd, 2015 at 1:03 PM
Depends on the father. Some are safer to question than others.
October 31st, 2015 at 1:06 AM
Sad story of physical abuse. The father is either drunk, stupid, or just looking for an excuse to abuse his son. That boy will almost definitely leave home at some point. Those who are aware need to report this type of thing. Well written, Adam. —- Suzanne
November 2nd, 2015 at 1:04 PM
I would lean toward drunk, but stupid fits too. Poor kid.
October 31st, 2015 at 5:47 AM
I’ll repeat what the other commenters noted: this is indeed a sad story. Much of the characters’ relationship is told in a small amount of works. Heck, just the last sentence speaks volumes about the background between Gavin and his dad. Good writing to reflect that relationship.
November 2nd, 2015 at 1:05 PM
Thanks, Dave.
October 31st, 2015 at 5:48 AM
Better to keep quiet with a dad like that. All too real.
November 2nd, 2015 at 1:17 PM
You’re absolutely correct.
October 31st, 2015 at 5:09 PM
Asshat I hope he trips on the refuse and drowns.
November 2nd, 2015 at 1:18 PM
I’m sure you’re not the only one to feel that way.
October 31st, 2015 at 7:10 PM
So sad, and sadly so true far too often. Great characterization.
November 2nd, 2015 at 1:19 PM
Thanks.
November 1st, 2015 at 4:34 AM
That was brutal and ugly. A sharp piece of writing.
November 2nd, 2015 at 1:19 PM
Many thanks.
November 1st, 2015 at 10:53 PM
Good story. There is more than one kind of snake.
November 2nd, 2015 at 1:20 PM
Thanks, Perry.
November 1st, 2015 at 11:21 PM
I could feel the tension. More is said with words unspoken. Powerful story.
November 2nd, 2015 at 1:20 PM
Thanks, Amy.
November 2nd, 2015 at 12:31 PM
I agree with Amy – very powerful story in 100 words.
November 2nd, 2015 at 1:21 PM
Thanks.
November 3rd, 2015 at 1:16 PM
Such a realistic story. Great writing.
November 3rd, 2015 at 5:27 PM
Thanks you.