PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Friendship
Marco and his family moved into our little berg when I was seven. His family bought Old Mr. Smithers’ house across the street. Marco and I became best friends that summer. When fall arrived, we walked to school in our brand new clothes, carrying matching Batman lunch boxes.
The other kids didn’t know Marco, only saw that he looked different. Some called him names. They punched him when teachers weren’t looking. But I saw.
I told Cousin Mort about it, giving him names. They left Marco alone after that.
We’re long-grown now. I visit Marco every winter at his island.
[100 words]
Note: Mort is a nod to a book I’m reading now by Terry Pratchett, part of the Discworld series. Marco and Island are nods to Marco Island, a beautiful place in FL. Mr. Smithers is a nod to The Simpsons TV show, which I haven’t watched in forever but remember quite fondly.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the spring-y host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
I love all the Discworld books, and Mort is a good one! I’m glad cousin Mort here was able to sort out those bullies :-)
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My younger son is a big fan and steered me to the entire series at a very low price (e-books) and is directing me on the path through them. There is so much wisdom in them and told with such good humor. Thanks, and everyone should have a cousin Mort at their beckoning. I wonder how Marco’s life would have been without the intervention?
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If Mort lived up to his Pratchett namesake, the bullies are in a better place now. Marco certainly is if he has an island
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lol. I see you know Mort. I think this one’s more about threats than his predecessor.
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How lucky they are to have a cousin Mort. What fun, enjoy the Pratchett books, they are great.
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:)
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Glad Marco had a champion to help when the bullies did their thing.
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me too, Trent.
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I knew a few kids who could have used a friend like that. (K)
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A succinct write Li.
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Thanks!
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You’re welcome
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Nice post!
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Thank you!
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MORT IS AWESOME!
Great story. Keep reading, L.
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:) I think so also. I love how Pratchett uses the special font for Death (and Mort, sometimes.) Am about halfway through the book so not sure whether the special font will become always for him yet.
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Such great books. I need to pick them up again. Death “talks” on caps? It’s been a while. One of them did.
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Yes, with the first letter of the first word in bold. Humble bundles had the whole set of ~40 ebooks for $18. Not sure if they still do or not, but fyi.
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Thanks, Lisa. Pretty sure it’s for the US only. I cried. lol.
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Not sure where you’re at, but sorry you can’t access it :(
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Australia. I read a lot of non-US people were complaining. We all want Terry!
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Cool, T.
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Dear Lisa,
You leave me wanting to know more about Marco. On the other hand you told us enough to know I love Cousin Mort. Heartwarming story of friendship.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thanks much!
Shalom,
Lisa
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Sounds like he made a friend for life. I wonder what happened to cousin Mort though – it’s not always easy to make bullies go away.
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Cousin Mort probably had a passel of kids and is still living in that little berg. Maybe he’s the football coach? Or maybe he moved to the big city and became a cleaner? I guess we’ll never know…
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Pratchett and Mort, gotta go way back to recall that!
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I missed them way back when. My younger son has convinced me to read the series (of about 40 books.)
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yeah I can’t remember how many I read, maybe 10 or so, it’s a big commitment.
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I got all of the e-books in one block which makes it easier. I do prefer to read actual books in a comfy location so it is a bit of an adjustment to spend even more time in front of the computer.
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This is such an interesting story, Lisa. I wouldn’t mind reading the rest of it.
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Smitha, I’m happy to have gotten your attention with my story. Thank you :)
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A happy ending to a mean spirited situation. Bullies will always be around but good guys are too. Marco Island is a beuaitiful place to visit if you haven’t been there. 🌴
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Well-said, Izzy. I’ve been to Marco Island a few times. One of my brothers lived in that area for a number of years (Naples, Ft. Myers, Bonita Beach.)
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All lovely areas … although, they’re getting a bit crowded. Progress LOL
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Sorry to hear it, Izzy. It’s been about 25 years since visiting there.
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Oh my, you would not recognize the areas, especially Fort Myeres. I’m an hour from those locations. We are starting to develop here in my little area too. The high expenses from the nothern states are bringing them down to sunny Florida.
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it must be true friendship to last that long. :)
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It must be :)
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I’m glad your narrator was a good friend. A heartwarming story, and you bring the two children to life with little telling details – clothes, Batman lunchboxes. Good old Cousin Mort.
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Margaret glad you enjoyed the story, thanks :)
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It’s good to have a Cousin Mort! I enjoyed this story.
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Thanks much, Angela :)
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Love your story and your nod to Marco Island. Been there many times. An absolutely gorgeous place.
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R.M. thank you very much, glad you know and love the place.
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Good friends are usually are to find and lasting friendships take effort to maintain, but are always worth it!.
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Indeed, Alicia!
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Me too, Linda. The Discworld series is fantasy, wizards, monarchies, and a flat disc world that rests on 4 giant elephants who are standing on the back of a great turtle that travels through space. It’s also full of timeless wisdom conveyed through humor and wit. You’re welcome.
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:)
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That’s a Lovely experience and a very strong friendship. I am glad that you stood up for him. Not everyone has the power to do what’s right. ✨
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Thank you very much, Anoushka.
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A story of true and life long friendship. I like Cousin Mort, reminds me of the film, “Godfather”.
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For sure, Someone. I looked at imdb for the movie, buy there are multiple movies with that name. Can you give more info on it?
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I wish there were more Cousin Morts around. Every new kid on the block should have one. Good one.
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Sandra, thanks. Me too. In my old job, I saw so much of that bullying going on. I had a novel approach to dealing with it but never did any long-term studies on whether or not my way was effective.
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The importance of making that first friend. Love this, Lisa. And we all need a cousin Mort!
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Dale thanks and yes, we do :)
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😊
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This made me think that it would be nice to be able to make friends as easily and simply as adults as it was as children. Not just for the protection from bullies. I’ve never read the Discworld books but it’s funny how mention of them always seems to surface in my life by different people mentioning them in some way.
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Yes, it would be nice to make friends like that as adults. I think it’s possible and having a common interest really helps. There are over 40 Discworld books which I think sends a lot of ripples out into the universe.
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Beautiful, except for the bullies
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Thank you, Someone (Michael?)
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Mr. Smithers gave me a big old smile!
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:) <3
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I’ve heard of Terry Pratchett, but never read anything by him. Your story makes me think I should.
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It’s humor and action frolicking along the lane.
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nice story and thanks for stopping by on my blog
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You’re welcome, Bernadette (?)
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Thank goodness for Cousin Mort, and for Marco having made such a good friend. I want to go and read some Terry Pratchett now.
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Mort is a good book to start with in the series. Yes on Cousin Mort and Marco. Thanks for reading, Heather.
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Now that sounds like a good friend. Not seeing his differences but just a friend to look out for. Nice one. And I love those books!!
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Thanks for reading and your comments, as always.
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I’ve had to do that for my brother. I never had to fight anybody. I’m five years older, so I could just look ominous. Now, he’s bigger than me by about 5-6 inches and 70-80 pounds.
I’ve started Discworld. I enjoy the tone, but I get intimidated by huge series. I know I will never get through them all.
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I’m glad you looked out for your bro. I’m sure he would do the same for you now. (fingers crossed) My son told me what order to read them in. When I asked why that order, he said the first four he listed introduce the 4 main groups. I’ve got 2 down (The Colour of Magic and Mort) and am reading Guards! Guards! now. I believe you about you liking the tone. You and Pratchett feel like kindred spirits.
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I have to read things in order. I’ve always thought of Douglas Adams and Kurt Vonnegut as my spirit animals, but yeah, Pratchett fits in there.
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everyone needs a cousin Mort in their lives. This reminds me that I need to read more Pratchett!
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:)
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Wow best
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What a cute story Lisa! :-) I loved it!
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Thank you :)
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