A gnarled Prussian blue tree stooped. Beside it, three motionless stick figures were daubed in Payne’s gray. All under the blazing sun, a big circle in gory burnt umber.
Mom and Dad looked at the painting and whispered to each other, averting their eyes from my seven-year-old sister, who had painted the masterpiece.
The following week, I painted a still life: lemon yellow and magenta flowers bursting, viridian leaves peeking, and all safely confined in a bulbous phthalo blue vase. Mom and Dad smiled at the painting.
I whispered to my sister, “You have to be bad to be good.”
For Friday Fictioneers – 24 May 2019.
PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll
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Nelkumi, you always write such poignant little scenes. A lot of wisdom from that little girl.
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Thank you. “She” appreciates that.
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A lovely story, Nelkumi. The older sister saved the day for the little one. Some parents should leave being art critics for children to others. Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you. 😊
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I loved this. Being kind to her sister is clear, but the phrase, “You have to be bad to be good’ might not be a life style choice to adopt.
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Maybe. Maybe, not…
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Lots of good things in this story. You make it sound as though the younger girl is more talented than her sister, and that big sister recognises this and encourages her. That is such a great message!
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Thank you!
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Parents were partial to their son. This is the story everywhere. Was her painting really bad?
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hmmm…
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This is such a lovely scene.
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Thank you.
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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Quirky. It gave me a laugh and was well-told.
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I’m glad it gave you a laugh. Thank you.
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