Family Outing by Merkin

[Camy]

Merkin's 'Family Outing' is simply superb. In length it is closer to a flash than a short, but that doesn't matter as not a word is wasted or extraneous. It would make a perfect short script for film.

Shan't say more - go read!

[Bruin Fisher]

This account of a young boy's coming out to his family is just that, there's very little in the way of story around it. It stands on its own as a vignette and tells its story simply and cleanly and despite its brevity it gave me a clear picture of the family, and the tensions in the car between the various family members. It's a marvel of brevity, simple and satisfying.

Can I have an Uncle Ralph, too?

[Gee Whillickers]

Beautiful short story, proving once again the huge feelings don't have to come from a huge, lengthy story. Sometimes the reverse is true instead. I had to laugh reading this, because I well remember being the victim of these exact same family drives when I was a lad, usually tempered by stops to allow my little sister to recover from being carsick. Oh, the joy.

[Guest Dabeagle]

Bet that's the last time Margaret opens up her big yap!

[Bruin Fisher]

I just re-read this (like you do) and enjoyed it even more the second time around.

[DesDownunder]

This is more than good enough to turn into a short film. It'd probably win a few prizes, as well as hearts.

I cracked up at Margaret's reaction to Uncle Ralph.

[colinian]

A great short-short that had me laughing throughout. I'm glad that Margaret finally couldn't find anything to say.

Colin

[Rutabaga]

Another "pick from the past" that well deserved to be revisited.

I feel very blessed not to have had a big sister -- only younger brothers. My dad had two older sisters, and he said that growing up it was like having three mothers, always critical of whatever he wore or said or did.

Anyway, nice work.

R

[Lugnutz]

And it is of course on Dudes past list. Just re read it a few days ago.

[Merkin]

Thank you for the comments. I had to endure a lot of Sunday rides as a kid but none as dramatic. I wouldn't wish a sister like Margaret on anyone.

[Lugnutz]

Yeah you would.