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9.11.17

DEPARTMENT STORE - a story in 100 words for Friday Fictioneers




DEPARTMENT STORE

“What on earth are you playing at?” The department manager’s voice was icy.
Walter settled more comfortably into the cushions. “Ain’t no sign saying we can’t sit here," and Doreen kicked off her shoes, dug her toes into the artificial grass and rocked the swing seat. 
The manager, aware of the amused onlookers, kept his temper with an effort. “This is a display, not a hotel.”
Walter handed over a fifty. “Doreen was missing home, and this is the only grass for miles.”

At closing time the manager asked them to come every day - sales of garden furniture had doubled.
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I am not a lover of cities, so I have a fellow-feeling for Walter and Doreen.
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on  https://rochellewisoff.com/ from which blog you can follow the link to read other interpretations of Marie Gale Stratford's photograph.
I am getting close to publishing my first novel, A Volcanic Race, on Amazon, and I'm up to my ears in proof-reading, composing a blurb, and trying to get my head round publicity. So please forgive me if I don't read every blog this week :)

31 comments:

  1. Ha ha - loved the final line!

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

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  2. If it gets more sales and profit, store managers aren't going to complain that much.

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  3. Really cute story. Good job.

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  4. Good luck with the book!

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  5. Dear Liz,

    Nothing sells a product like showing the customer the proper usage. Cute story.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Dear Rochelle - I was going to make it a story of pathos but I wasn't in a pathetic mood so I changed it!

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  6. If I was the manager ... I would be buying her lunch, ha. Somethings it takes an unexpected event to help your sales plan along. Great story.

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    1. Crumbs on his artificial grass? Perish the thought!

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  7. Sometimes stuffy old managers have to lighten up - this couple had the right idea, and the manager reaped the benefit! Good story!

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    1. One furniture shop I read about recently were offering potential bed customers a whole night in the store!

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  8. Absolutely delightful liz! How on earth did you come up with that?

    Click to read my FriFic!

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    1. Haven't you ever had the urge to sit on a display sofa and watch the world go by?

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    2. ...now you come to mention it!

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  9. Good ol' Walter and Doreen. The department manager should have been thankful that it wasn't the bathroom department!

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    1. I believe that has happened too, Helen :(

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  10. Nice story, Liz. You described the couple's actions with some very telling details - 'settled more comfortably into the cushions" and, especially 'Doreen kicked off her shoes, dug her toes into the artificial grass...'. It makes the scene so vivid. Well written!

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    1. Thanks Penny - you always leave such thoughtful comments.

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  11. A fun enjoyable read. All the best for your book :)

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  12. Fun read.

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  13. I love this! And yes... I have had the urge to "use" the display in such a way. I'm thinking the store manager should return his fifty bucks...

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    1. They make their display look like rooms, so shouldn't be surprised if people feel comfortable enough to sit there.

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  14. Ha... that's an excellent way to get a job.

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    1. It proably helped that they were elderly and looked respectable!

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