PHOTO PROMPT © Rowena Curtin
“Brick holds heat” was one of Pa’s litany of wisdom bits rotated and pulled out for teaching moments. Years later, on this bitterly cold day, he looks to the sky and thanks his Pa once again.
“People run from ugly.” The building has offputting broken windows, illegible graffiti, and a nasty rotting flat roof. “Flat roofs are no good in snowy or rainy places.” A closer look shows a solid structure.
He moves in shadows, hops the fence, enters through a window, and finds a cellar. “Under ground the temp is a constant 60 degrees.”
He sleeps warm and dry.
[100 words]
May every person find a warm and dry place to sleep this holiday season and beyond.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the illuminating host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
Very intriguing story Li
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Thank you very much, Sadje :)
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My pleasure
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Pa done learned him some important facts!
Wonderful write, Lisa!
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Dale, thank you and yes he did!
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Pa sure was smart. Well done.
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Thanks, Athling, yes he was :)
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While I think it’s safe to say the wisdom of parents shouldn’t be taken for granted, there’s no doubt this pa had some wise words.
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Thanks very much. I agree.
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Pa was a fountain of wisdom… Looks like Pa is helping him long after he passed.
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Yes. This story reminds me of both of my parents, but in different ways.
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There are a few things I keep from my parents. Something I thought about the other day…my dad would tell me…this would have fit…”if someone gives you something, take it don’t argue about it”….uh ok dad.
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Good one, Max. Not all of the advice is good, but…
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LOL. Have a good night Lisa!
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Could sleep peacefully. He got a great place for himself then!
Every place has its utility. Well narrated.
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Indeed, Anita. Thank you :)
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However he ended up there, Pa’s wisdom has served him well for now.
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Exactly, Iain. Thanks and happy holidays to you and yours!
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Dear Lisa,
Good thing he remembers Pa’s wisdom. ;) Love the voice in this, besides being a good story.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, indeed. Thanks very much.
Holiday Shalom,
Lisa
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An excellent wish. Those of us with a safe warm dwelling need to count our blessings twice. (K)
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Thank you, K.
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Hopefully, he’ll pass on his Pa’s wise words to the next generation.
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For sure. May 2024 gift him the blessings of love, family, and a more permanent dwelling.
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His Pa taught him some useful stuff!
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Yes, he did! Thanks, Someone.
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This is the kind of parental advice that can be treasured. Interesting story.
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Gabi, glad you appreciate the story, thank you.
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Looks like he is moving in. A sad story for this time of year, but so true. At least he is warm and dry.
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Exactly on all accounts, James. Thank you for reading and your comment. Happy Holidays.
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Sometimes we only see the wisdom when it’s too late to thank them for it. Merry Christmas to you!
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Sandra, indeed. Merry Christmas!
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Glad he found somewhere out of the cold. Seems like grandpa is helping him even now
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Indeed. Thanks for reading and your comment, Laurie.
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Another really bittersweet piece. Realism with a touch of hope. It’s sad that there are people living out these realities in different parts of the world today.
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Thank you. In ever-increasing numbers also.
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Way to harsh my holiday high, holmes! I can’t believe we live in a world where failed CEOs get multi-billion dollar severance packages while people live on the streets. Ho-Ho-Homeless!
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I know, Nobbin, I’m a real buzzkill this holiday season. If the new year brings me anything, I hope it is a brighter outlook.
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Oh, such a sad story, but told with a touch of humour and appreciation for Pa’s wisdom. I’m glad he got to sleep warm and dry.
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Thanks for what you see there, Margaret. The guy has been stumbling through life for a long time on a mixed bag of wisdom. One more night warm and dry is all he looks for anymore.
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