Flash Fiction / Unicorn Challenge / writing prompts

A little slice of life

Chris Hall39 Comments

© Ayr/Gray

It was more than thirty years back then, when we had a two week holiday in the south-west of France, where my cousin had a second home in a tiny hamlet. She had said we could do anything we wanted, since she was busy working in London, and she wasn’t able to get away at that time.

We had a little rented car, and it was just as well, since the roads were very tiny in that hamlet. We’d stocked up with lots of goodies, mostly in the huge Carrefour (always loved that place, by the way).

So we pottered around the garden, even though it was steep and narrow, but we were able to do a bit of weeding and a little planting. We would stare over the next field, where there was a pretty black bull, although we thought it would be a bad idea to get too close to him.

In the evening, we didn’t bother to watch the television, since our French was pretty ropey. Instead we played cards – Rummy and Cribbage, and also there was a large jigsaw, and yes, we did finish it.

We could get lovely French sticks and cheeses, but after a few days, we decided to drive to a rather larger town. We’d left the car a few streets before, since it seemed rather busy in the centre.

And, lo and behold, what did we see? Yes, that’s right, the Tour de France was just passing the main group… so fast!

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Posted for The Unicorn Challenge, a magical challenge hosted by Jenne Gray and C E Ayr, where they provide a photo and we, in turn, provide up to 250 words.

39 thoughts on “A little slice of life”

  3. Chris, this story feels so warm and lived-in—I love how the pace of your holiday meanders until the surprise rush of the Tour de France. That sudden shift from “pottering” to “so fast!” made me smile.

    Much love,
    David

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  4. The whole scenario had a French laid-back feel to it, Chris, … even the mention of a finished jigsaw, slowly choosing which piece went where, … (you can’t hurry a jigsaw)… and then the Whoosh, … of the Tour de France, …💫

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  5. This was a lovely slice of life Chris! We have memories in common. We have had many happy holidays in France always in gigetes and always quiet villages.

    The Tour came over to England 7th July 1994 we drove to Portsmouth to see it… nearly missed it trying to park! .

    Had we of blinded we’d have missed it 💜💜💜

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  7. A lovely, relaxed holiday feel to this one, Chris.
    I can almost hear the crickets in the background.
    (Notice I don’t mention mosquitoes!)
    And then the sharp change to the Tour de France speeding past – wow!

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