Myshuno! 2013 Prompt: “Picnic/Having a picnic” (172 words)

[esmeiolanthe]

The prompts for this story were “Picnic” submitted by lilycobalt and “Having a picnic” submitted by katrisims. This story fits into Chapter 58 of Already In Progress, which isn’t out yet, but this contains no spoilers.

Rating: G

Dramatis Personae
Josephine Wren, rapidly approaching Elder.
Skye Shankel, her much-younger sister, just graduated from college.
Also present but non-speaking are Penelope Wren, Josephine’s Teen daughter, and Phoenix Wren, Josephine’s husband and Penelope’s father.

Setting
Skye’s new property. There is no proper house, just scattered items and building elements. The family is sitting on the ground, finishing up lunch. Josephine puts down her instant meal.

JOSEPHINE: Look, Skye, the reason we’re here is money. The house. Money and the house. Look, you’re the youngest. Legally, you’re supposed to inherit.
SKYE: I know.
JOSEPHINE: So why are you out here all deprived when we’re in the house?
SKYE: I’m not deprived.
JOSEPHINE: Lunch is instant meal out of a cooler, and we’re sitting on a sheet! You don’t even have a roof!
SKYE: We’re having a picnic. And I have a tent. It’s not like I’m lawn living or anything.
JOSEPHINE: Look, at least come live in the house with us, if you don’t want us to move out. Or let us buy you out. I don’t like feeling like the bad guy here.
SKYE: I like the way I’m living now. I like camping. I like a challenge. I have plenty of money in the bank from Mom and Dad’s life insurance, and nobody thinks you’re the bad guy except you. Get over it! (stands, turning to Penelope and Phoenix) Now, who’s up for some kicky bag?


Note
For my Australian readers, a “cooler” is what you would call an “esky.”

Comments

[joandsarah.livejournal.com]

No worries mate, heh I know what a cooler is.

I didn't realize there was such an age gap between Josephine and Skye. Camping at 22 can be rather pleasant, no such much at nearly 70 or even 47...

[esmeiolanthe.livejournal.com]

Yes, Jo and Cecil were 16 or 17 when Skye was born -- Skye is much closer in age to her niece than her brother and sister. Since "Elder" seems to equate with "early 50s" in the game (which is stilly, but how it seems to work), I would say Jo is in her mid-forties right now -- probably too old for lawn living or even camping out to be very appealing.

I remember we had a conversation about "esky" vs. "cooler" a while back when you were writing a story that had one in it. I figured I'd mention it just in case there were some Australian readers lurking. ;)

Thanks for reading and commenting! :D

[katrisims.livejournal.com]

Well, as long as Skye is enjoying it, right? I can see why Josephine would feel bad, but hopefully she doesn't for too long. After all, it does seem that this is what Skye wants to do.

[esmeiolanthe.livejournal.com]

It's definitely what Skye wants to do, but Josephine is very good at making things difficult for herself. I think the family probably will move out of the big family home, though... three people, one of whom is of to college soon, do not need a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house.

Thanks for reading! :D