FFfAW – Punishment
Here is my story for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, hosted by Priceless Joy. It has a similar theme to a Friday Fictioneers story I wrote a couple of weeks ago, sorry about that.
Click on the blue froggy to see this week’s other stories.
Copyright Ady
Simon Watson yelled as he went sailing across the playground to land in an unceremonious heap on the hard ground, his books scattered around him. Billy Masters’ growl of delight was cut off by an angry adult voice.
“Billy Masters! Stop right there! What have you been told about fighting? Go and sit on the red bench. Well? Go on!”
Billy went and sat on the red bench. The “punishment” bench. He was used to it. He ended up here most break-times. Finally the bell for classes went – freedom!
Simon worked hard, made the most of his education. Billy went from detention to young offenders to…
“The court will rise.”
“Mr Masters, for this crime, there can be only one punishment. You will spend the rest of your life in prison. Take him down.”
Judge Simon Watson shook his head sadly as Billy was led past. “Back on the red bench, Billy. This time it’s for good. No bell this time. Sorry.”
Speak to me - I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Click for a random post!
Woohoo!
I totally didn't win!
Share Your World
Friday Fictioneers
draliman on life 
Good. Another one gone to the Big House. “But your honor, he was turning his life around. No one was supposed to get hurt! Everybody LOVED him.”
His crime? He did NOT stay in the car.
LikeLike
Yes, I’m sure he was only led astray by master manipulators. Billy’s not the one they should be going after!
LikeLike
Very nice reversal of fortunes, with a sense of empathy from Simon who rose up.
LikeLike
Thanks, I’m glad you saw Simon’s sorrow for his old school colleague.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some people never change or maybe Billy was getting too attached to red benches. Nicely told.
LikeLike
I’m afraid Billy is a lost cause. I see nights of solitary confinement in his future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And the moral of these stories is…. if you are bullied, it means a judgeship is in your future!
LikeLike
Yes ES, that’s exactly the moral of this story 🙂
LikeLike
Well I guess Billy made his choices and never learned. You do feel bad for him though as Simon (now a judge does), it’s a real waste. Great job.
LikeLike
Thanks! I did feel sorry for him, maybe he didn’t get any help to change. But like you say, he made his own choices and now he’s got to pay for them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL! Life is actually full of amazing co incidences! 😀
LikeLike
I bet he got a shock when Simon walked in wearing his big white wig and judge robes 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I guess some things never really change? Billy must wish they’ll be back in the schoolyards. It only takes a ringing bell to get his freedom back then…
LikeLike
I bet he does. Where he’s going a ringing bell probably means “back to your cell” or something.
LikeLike
That’s… that’s sad. But now he may finally learn his lesson.
LikeLike
I hope so.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for following http://fonzandcancer.wordpress.com I really do appreciate it – Fonz
LikeLike
You’re welcome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked that the udge showed some emotion. Good write. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks! Yes, he feels a bit sorry for him, he was hoping he’d turn his life around.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It must be hard to meet an old class mate who hasn’t made much of life, especially if you’re doing ok.
I felt Simon’s empathy.
LikeLike
Yes. There are those who love to lord it over the less fortunates from their past, but Simon isn’t one of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all start out on a red bench.Destiny decides whether we leave or stay.
Visit Keith’s Ramblings!
LikeLike
Very true. I would also add “choices”.
LikeLike
Such a sad tale of a boy that didn’t learn his lessons and ended up in prison for life! Probably very true in real life stories too. Great story, Ali!
LikeLike
I’m sure this happens frequently. I’m glad you liked it!
LikeLike
I did! 🙂
LikeLike
Good story, Ali. Such is life. I heard a bully in my old neighborhood ended up in jail also. A sad beginning sometimes ends up like that. Then again, some people do turn their lives around. Well done. —- Suzanne
LikeLike
Yes, it’s all down to the choices people take at so-called “turned points”. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLike
Funny how life plays out. With these two characters, their futures took predictable routes – one did well for himself, the other… Oh dear! Billy seems to have gone from bad to worse. The red bench treatment didn’t seem to work, did it? Perhaps I should have taken him under my motherly wing. 😀 Good story, Ali.
LikeLike
Yes, I bet many people could see this coming (both readers of my story, and other characters who knew these chaps in my story!). Some people can’t, or won’t, be helped, sadly.
I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Billy seems to have developed a case of red bench syndrome 😦
Ellespeth
LikeLike
He does. Now the red bench is permanent for him 😦
LikeLike
I hope the judge will at least allow a red bench in ‘the yard’ to allow him to feel a little at home? Enjoyed!
LikeLike
That would be a nice gesture 🙂
LikeLike
LOL. It is always nice to read your stories with little twists. Nice one.. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 1 person