There’s a dot coming up the valley path, wobbling as it travels. No wait, two dots very close together. That will be Miss Maisy, leaning on her granddaughter. I can tell everyone in the world by their walk, that’s how well I know them. And love them.
Miss Maisy will be wanting pineapple, sweet and juicy, and mine are the best—never a woody bit. She’ll have rubber to trade—I see the burden under which the young girl struggles. Maybe it would be a kindness to introduce them to cash money.
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
Dear Neil,
Love the voice in this. I can taste the pineapple.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Rochelle
LikeLike
A kindness indeed. And then maybe to plastic? Or maybe a bridge too far…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the unintended consequences of money will be chaos enough
LikeLike
I think I want pineapple now. Feeling sorry for the young girl. I hope the fates are good to her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Her life may be about to change in unexpected ways
LikeLiked by 1 person
Barter system is tiring. It’s time to introduce them to new world. Good one
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Vartika
LikeLike
You’ve painted a wonderfully clear picture here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Linda
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a picture you’ve created. We’re there, and have emotions about all 3 characters already. Great work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLike
There is a great irony in considering these humans as savages and those with money as civilized. Well-spun tale, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is indeed. You detected the point of the story. Thanks so much, Jade
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the thought of them using barter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Frank
LikeLiked by 1 person
A change is going to come, the Shakesperian title says a lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And probably not a good one
LikeLike
I somehow feel money will corrupt their simple way of life. Best to leave them be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Money will bring many changes
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sweet granddaughter assisting her to market.
The change may be a wonderful welcome.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or the change may turn their lives upside down
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pineapple always tastes better after carrying a heavy load, whilst bartering is always preferable to cash transactions
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like you were there, Michael
LikeLike
A nice story! Voice and emotion of the character is clear. I come away feeling I have read more than a hundred words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a lovely feeling to come away with. Thank you so much
LikeLike
An imaginative take on the prompt, Neil. I don’t think money will improve their lives.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it will probably destroy their entire way of life
LikeLiked by 1 person
First money, then supermarkets. Before you know it, you’re doing her shopping for her. Nicely told, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Bill
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, no, not again with the money. The misery will just start all over again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly
LikeLike
Thought exercise as to where and when coinage and money was introduced. Trading with rubber is all very well, but like cheques will they bounce?
LikeLiked by 1 person
You couldn’t resist the pun, huh?
LikeLike
Sometimes barter is better, but more burdensome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cash comes with a whole socio-economic word of other things
LikeLike
Cash money is certainly lighter than rubber! Maybe he could get a little card machine too…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It may be lighter at the time, but it drags a whole weight behind it
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful idea! Then, they can learn about credit and stocks and bitcoin and homelessness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All of civilisation awaits them
LikeLiked by 1 person
Life may be arduous at times, but maybe it’s better that way. Wonderfully described story, Neil!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Brenda
LikeLike
I was enjoying your picture of this simple world where people know and love their neighbours so well, but then came the crunch at the end. ‘Cash money’ – a mixed blessing for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry about the crunch
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh this is fabulous. Such a clear list of characters from the smallest of descriptions. Great voice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Laurie
LikeLike