Story a Day in May – Story 3

A Scene from Fishman's Wife 
by J. Smith Kirkland 

Albert Fishman is nervous about meeting his lunch companion. Not because the man is a successful, intimidating business man, though anyone watching would think so, as he walks in the front door and over to the host. He is nervous because Fishman knows the man is really a magic bird.

"Reservation for Erithacus."

"Yes, sir. So nice to see you again. The other person in you party is already here."

Fishman watches as she leads him to the table. He questions his own motives for being here. He doesn't want any more money, or stuff. It's really not making him any happier. To be honest, it's just more responsibility. Erithacus smiles at Fishman as he sits.
"You look like you are doing well. Nice suit. Money suits you. Pun intended."

"Thank you. Yes, I have more than enough."

Fishman stares uncomfortably at the empty breadstick basket. Erithacus watches as Fishman seems to grow more and more fidgety, playing with his silverware, folding and unfolding his napkin.

"But?"

Fishman looks up. Something in his eyes resembles a mixture of shame and fear.

"But what?"

"There seemed to be something of a 'but' that was going to follow that statement?"

Fishman swallows hard before speaking. He never wanted to ask for anything the first time, much less a second. The words are stuck in his throat, but he is rescued for the moment by the server.

"Can I get you something to drink, Mr. Erithacus?"

"Please, call me Robin. And yes, a water."

The server rushes off, and leaves Fishman back in the gaze of Erithacus and his question.

"But?"

"I am more than happy with all you have given us. It's really more than I need."

"But?"

"But the wife."

Erithacus leans forward, and with a sympathetic tone, "Ah, the other beneficiary. She isn't enjoying her new found wealth?"

"Oh, yes she is. Very much. But she sorta would like to, you know, kinda."

"Have more?"

"Yes, please."

Erithacus sits back. The server arrives with his water. They exchange pleasantries, and Fishman awaits petrified for the response. Then Erithacus gets up, puts a $20 bill on the table. He looks at Fishman with disappointed eyes.

"Fine. By the time you get home, it will be yours. Remember that. It will be yours."



The Prompt
Think of a fairy tale you like. It can be a well-known one, or one that’s not well-known. (If it’s one you’re familiar with mostly from Disney movies, though, you should probably do a quick re-read of the original fairy tale, because those movies have been known to change a lot of stuff.) Now write a scene from that fairy tale, but reset in some way — you could move it to the present day, or the future. You could also move it to another culture (make sure it’s one you’re very familiar with) or find some other way to turn it upside down. Think about what the story is saying, and how that message changes when the story gets moved. 

Story A Day Framework 
A struggling businessman sets free a magic bird. So the businessman's wife gets angry and says he should have asked for money and because of that the businessman asks for the money and gets it and because of that the wife keeps wanting more and because of that the businessman asks for more and gets it and because of that the wife keeps wanting even more until the businessman asks to be like God, and the magic bird tells him he can be and then the business man gives all the riches to charity