No big laughs this week, but hopefully a gentle chuckle and a smile 🙂
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Good Things Come To Optimistic Shopping Trolleys
The shopping trolley was an optimistic fellow, which was handy because he’d had a shitty day. Lesser trolleys would have crumpled by now.
First, he’d been loaded up with beer well beyond his recommended capacity, then kidnapped from the supermarket, joy-ridden through the streets and flung in the river.
There he lay, on his side, half submerged.
‘Not bad here,’ he thought, optimistically. ‘I might even learn to swim.’
As the day waned, he grew a little lonely.
‘Some company would be nice.’
‘Hello,’ said a passing whelk. ‘Do you mind if I hang for a bit?
‘Perfect,’ said Trolley.
(100 words)
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For those who don’t know, Friday Fictioneers is a challenge to write a 100 word story from a picture prompt. It’s hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, and anyone can play. Thanks for hosting, Rochelle! Check out the link below to see what other fictioneers did with this week’s prompt.
Need more Friday Fiction? Click the blue frog to read more stories from other fictioneers!
EL Appleby: Brain Fragments 
Here in the States we call them shopping carts but whatever they’re called you just gave me a greater respect for them. 🙂
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I knew they were carts over there, but thought you’d probably work it out 🙂 I didn’t know that so many Americans had never heard of whelks though!
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See what happens to even shopping carts when they have been filled up with lots of beer that they joyride in the streets? The cop could have pulled him over and cited him asking him, “Where is your license?” And he’d say, “I don’t have a license, officer.” The cop would ask, “Why?” The answer would be, “Because I’m a shopping cart.” Still shaking my head here.
Seriously funny, as usual, El!
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that’s so cool, Kent, when I can’t provide the big laughs you provide them yourself!!! It’s a new brand of comedy – self-service 😀
thanks for your lovely comments.
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That has a “Brave Little Toaster” feel to it. Nice.
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I googled ‘Brave Little Toaster’ – and yes, I see what you mean – thanks!
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Cute little story, my only problem being I didn’t know what a whelk was!
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I thought I was safe with ‘whelk’ – my first choice was ‘winkle’ 😉
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You got a smile from me. Nice one.
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thanks – I got a smile from your comment 🙂
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Dear EL,
Confession time. I had to look up whelk. I learned a new word. A little escargot to go with that beer? You’ve captured the essence of the mind of a shopping trolley. I enjoyed your story as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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thanks Rochelle. I thought I was in safe waters with ‘whelk’ – looks like I was wrong. If you want more ‘whelk comedy’ head over to Miles Deacon’s place: http://milesdeacon.wordpress.com/2012/03/17/fifty-limericks/
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Aw, bless. Trolley’s found a friend already! I expect he’ll find it a much more relaxing life.
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Thanks 🙂
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El, This was funny as usual, and sweet at the same time. I’m glad the trolley found a friend, but I hope it finds a rescuer. Perhaps a homeless person who needs it will come along. Well written as always. XD
Susan
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Hi Susan
Glad you liked my silly tale. I like your ‘homeless person’ sequel 🙂
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Right up my alley 🙂 Nice one.
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Funny and clever. What more can one ask for?
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This was a really sweet story. My heart went out to the brave, mistreated little shopping trolley and I’m glad he eventually found a friend.
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thanks mabel
it was all ok in the end, wasnt it 🙂
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The day got better for the little trolley! Poor thing!
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Everything becomes better with a little positive attitude.. hey you might even enjoy a friday night with a mollusk..
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Maybe there’ll be a whole seafood rendezvous!
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Big like 🙂
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that made me smile! Thanks 🙂
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Funny and heart-warming too. Who’s to know what shopping trolleys think about all day, hanging around at everyone’s beck and call?
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This sounds as though it could be a children’s book, although without the beer. Gentle chuckles are good, too.
janet
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Now there’s an idea… I might have to get rid of the joyriding yobs and the ‘shitty day’ too, though!
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Very true!
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A story told from a trolley’s POV. This was sweet. I could really feel the trolly’s feeling of depression, but he still had a bit of hope. Thanks for the smile.
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As a ‘fellow’ Optimist I can so relate to our Hero, Trolley! Talley-ho.:) Even when we’re knee deep in muck, we’re looking for the Silver lining, pot o’Gold, or the winning Willy Wonka ticket. Great story. Love the take on the prompt. I invite you to stop by my #FridayFictioneer post & leave any feedback. Shandra
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I’ve been rubbish this week – hardly looked at any stories and not answered my comments for days. I will take you up on your offer and pop over to yours very soon 🙂
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Fantasy at a unique level. I can see this whole idea — minus the beer of course — as the root of a series of kids’ stories.
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HI Sandra
You’re the second one to suggest a children’s book. I just need to learn how to modify my bloody language first 😀
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This was a lovely and adorable story. I had wonderful laughs until that poor trolley got pushed in the muck! 😦 I have trouble not believing that intimate have feelings, especially after this story. Yes, I was going to hide the fact that I had to google what a whelk was- I’m glad I’m not the only one! Your stories are just so imaginative and entertaining. I’m always in awe!
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I see a beautiful and beneficial friendship developing. 🙂
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