Courtesy of Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
“Don’t touch every sweater on the rack!”
“They feel good.”
“It’s unexpected. People don’t like it.”
***
“Playing with your hair is unexpected.”
“It’s soothing.”
“It disturbs people.”
***
“Honey, dancing in the street is unexpected.”
Slumping, she shuffled behind him.
Then the lights came on.
He was a half block away before he heard the first notes and froze.
Everyone on the street stopped, listening to her unexpected song.
When the music in her head faded, she saw her father in front of her.
“Unexpected?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said, gathering her close. “Like all the best presents.”
~~~~~
Another Friday, another Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Click the blue link to read more responses to this week’s photo.
#1 by rich on November 30, 2012 - 21:38
atta girl! that kid did great. the only thing i wonder is about that one word “unexpected.” the parent means it in a negative way, trying to shy the kid away from things, but the word itself “unexpected” doesn’t feel that negative. i’m wondering if there’s a better word. i want to say “inappropriate,” but then that doesn’t have the same positive kick at the end. this is interesting.
#2 by Kathy McClure on November 30, 2012 - 22:04
The truth is, ‘unexpected’ is a use-word in helping kids on the spectrum understand what behaviors set them apart from their peers. It can be a useful tool as spectrum kids often exhibit behaviors neurotypicals find odd or off-putting, but as much as we want our children to ‘get along’ I also like remembering they have something unique to offer — something unexpected.
#3 by rich on November 30, 2012 - 22:10
then it’s the best word. thanks.
#4 by Abraham on December 5, 2012 - 06:16
I’ve learnt something there
Lovely story.
#5 by sustainabilitea on November 30, 2012 - 21:42
Good for her and good for her dad to recognize and accept the gift she offered.
#6 by Kathy McClure on November 30, 2012 - 22:05
She’s a great believer in perseverance — and singing!
#7 by waitingforaname on November 30, 2012 - 22:22
This was absolutely beautiful! I love the “unexpected,” especially after learning that it is a cue word for kids on the Asperger’s spectrum. One of my kids is ADHD, so I understand the difficulties and joys of having a child who doesn’t always fit into the box. I love, love, love your dialogue, the emotions of both father and child coming through in your writing, and ultimately, the father’s appreciation of his daughter’s gift. Great job this week!
#8 by Kathy McClure on December 4, 2012 - 15:12
Thank you!
#9 by The Bumble Files on December 1, 2012 - 01:44
Oh, lovely! I liked this a lot. It was unexpected to find her singing in the street, for me. And I love the last line about the best presents being unexpected.
#10 by Sandra on December 1, 2012 - 02:34
Lovely one Kathy, I warmed to them both.
#11 by mysocalledDutchlife on December 1, 2012 - 05:33
I’m quite fond of the unexpected burst of song. Lovely story this week, Kathy.
#12 by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields on December 1, 2012 - 06:32
I loved your ending line. Thanks for your explanation to Rich on your usage of unexpected. Well done, Kathy.
Shalom,
Rochelle
#13 by Kathy McClure on December 4, 2012 - 15:13
It was good he asked because I needed the right question to be able to explain.
#14 by Bumba on December 1, 2012 - 11:05
Terrific story about unexpected and about love.
#15 by billgncs on December 1, 2012 - 12:30
nice — I hope he lets her dance forever and a day.
#16 by claudia on December 1, 2012 - 13:35
This was a snappy and uplifting story. You cannot help but smile reading it…and yes, thanks for the additional info in comments.
#17 by JackieP on December 1, 2012 - 13:55
I really enjoyed this one. Unexpected gifts ARE the best kind.
#18 by Shirley McCann on December 1, 2012 - 17:48
Very nice story. Hoping it’s a soldier father surprising a child. Love those.
#19 by Debra Kristi on December 1, 2012 - 17:57
I love it. Spectrum child or not, we should always encourage behavior with more positive words when possible. My child is in the spectrum so I picked up on that pretty quickly. I wanted to be on the street when she gifted everyone with her music. I love unexpected gifts.
#20 by Douglas MacIlroy on December 1, 2012 - 19:29
Dear Kathy,
And I’ll add your story to the list, for though I’ve come to expect just such beautiful offerings from you, it was delightful to read and sounded just like her song.
Aloha,
Doug
#21 by bridgesareforburning on December 1, 2012 - 21:25
Hi Kathy,
A lovely, sweet story and I loved the turnaround by the nagging parent. You really tapped into your inner child here. Ron
#22 by brudberg on December 2, 2012 - 08:59
I thought I had caught the story, and you explanation confirmed it. Very well done.