The Cost of Unsolicited Advice | Freewrite: 10/4/24 | Prompt: A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

I've always lived my life with the notion based on the old saying I heard as a child. "Mother knows best". At least during my lifetime, this saying has ringed true on countless occasions. The picture prompt reminds me of numerous incidents as a young child and teen. I remember my mother who taught us lessons by way of parables and one liners. We got the message after not listening to this wise woman who we thought didn't know anything about what were were experiencing. Sometimes, we forget parents were once children.

Not to leave out fatherly advice, but sometimes men know a thing or too about certain things. Therein lies the wisdom of advice this father attempted to impart to his son, having a bit of knowledge about cars and their operation.

As the picture prompt reveals, Kenji, a 17-year old teen, nicely dressed with an otherwise pleasant attitude, that day leaned against the borrowed car he'd promised to enthusiastically take care of when his father handed him the keys.

"With these keys comes responsibility, son, as I've reiterated for the past two years. You now know what to do. I trust you'll care for our family asset." Mr. Chen turned to his wife and nodded, satisfied he'd completed his task as a dutiful father.

Tuning out the ten point maintenance tips given one final time, Kenji's mind and heart could only connect to Hana's lovely porcelain face and perfumed strands that cupped her face and fell past her shoulders. Then thoughts turned to his good fortune provided as the opportunity arose to drive her around the city as she would attend the same university.

That was six months ago when he departed his hometown for the nearest university. Desiring to house on campus, he was excited for the Fall semester to get underway. Of his group of friends, he was the only student fortunate enough to have vehicle transportation. He quickly became popular the first few months after arrival.

Studies and after school party activities occupied the majority of Kenji's time. In between, much needed rest took care of the remainder.

Heading out one morning, he frowned when the Check Engine light suddenly glowed solid. He didn't remember seeing it on previous occasions.

Instantly, the car stopped. It just shut off without him doing anything to assist the odd behavior. Attempting to crank the motor several times proved useless, so he exited. Ruling out an empty fuel tank, he opened the hood, but couldn't detect the problem.

Kenji pushed his hair back from his forehead, then held it in place for a few seconds as if the gesture would provide guidance. Immediately, drizzling rain caught him off guard. He closed the hood, rushed back to the car to retrieve an umbrella, and returned.

He shifted his foot from one to the other before finally leaning back against the car. What to do next? he pondered. No funds for a tow. No contact information for a tow company. And I can't leave the car in the middle of the street.

Staring mindlessly in the now pouring rain, he finally remembered he'd be late for a class with an assignment deadline that day. None of his friends answered his messages.

Why me? Kenji shouted glancing upward as rain steadily pounded his umbrella. A myriad of verdicts floated through his thoughts as he imagined his vehicle privileges fading.

Kenji made a quiet sound of helplessness. But he couldn't wait any longer. Staring at his dad's name in his contacts, several long moments passed. Pressing the button on his mobile phone was the hardest thing so far he'd done in his life.

A stab of guilt coursed through his body as his voice was thick and unsteady attempting to explain.

His dad's soft voice replied, "Don't worry. Where are you? I'll be there as quickly as I can."

Welcome back to my freewrite prompt story for this week. The photo that is the subject of the story spoke to me about a person who appears to be a young adult:

Describe what you see.
A well-dressed young man stands in front of a car on a street. Rain is pouring down with dark skies overhead.

Describe what you feel.
The young man is in a predicament. Perhaps the car has stalled, and he's waiting for help to arrive.

Write a story or poem about what you think is going on. I leave with you my story for: A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words - 10/4/24.

^{Image used with permission of contest owner}