The Road Not Taken

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Photo Copyright Bjorn Rudberg

The Road Not Taken

Words 99

“A cellist? What the hell is that?”

“A musician.”

“Will you be able to support us?”

“Perhaps…”

“Perhaps! And what will we do in the meanwhile? Bills won’t wait you know.”

“Music is my life Father. But I will work part-time…”

“I spent every penny on your education hoping that you would fulfill our dreams of a stable secure future; I would finally hold my head up in society. But you want to throw away your life, our sacrifice on a whim? Over my dead body.”

On his way out, Riteish emptied his stuffed wallet into the cellist’s case.

***

Written for Friday Fictioneer’s – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and Bjorn Rudberg for the photo prompt. To read or write stories add your link here.

Thank you for reading!

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Dahlia

Email me at mysilverstreaks@gmail.com or tweet me @mysilverstreaks

27 thoughts on “The Road Not Taken”

  4. He gave up so soon …was wondering what if Riteish is the dad here and he just left dumping his stuffed wallet for his son to pursue what he likes…you know, people often blabber out things they don’t mean when they suddenly come under the heavy spell of emotions O:) 😀

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    1. Thanks. Interesting you should say that, actually most say that. But the father does have a point doesnt he? What about the food on the table, the bills? In India, parents slave away their entire lives and splurge on their children’s education hoping for a better (affluent) life for their children and by default themselves as well. And art is a dicey field as far as success and monetary returns go – isnt the father also right to insist on first things first? Perhaps his grandchild may have the luxury of indulging his inclinations 😀

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      1. Interesting. I guess part of it is going to depend on how good Riteish’s cello playing is. People do make reasonable livings as classical musicians (not just the famous players), but it does require a certain basic standard of ability. 😀

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  9. Hmmm, I suppose one cannot live in a dreamworld but needs to be practical in life, otherwise there are bound to be disappointments and heartbreaks.
    In one small conversation, everything is implied… well done 🙂

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  10. I hope he continues to help his son in some way until he becomes self-sufficient. It was a similar reaction to that of my dad when I quit my job to go back to college. He was happy I became a teacher and went right to work after college, though. Good writing, Dahlia. 🙂 — Suzanne

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  11. As mentioned in one of the comments here, I too assumed at first that the father was Riteish and that he had left money for his son to pursue his dream despite being disappointed about it. After all, a father ought to support his child. But that isn’t always the case. And much as the boy must try to live his dream, he must also understand the consequences and risks involved in the process like his dad had argued. He must of course follow his passion, but not without a back up plan, for many a time our minds may simply mistake our wishful thinking to be a ‘passion’. It isn’t so easy to discover one’s passion after all. Great story line Dahlia, loved how you developed the idea in just a few words.

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    1. Thanks Dashy for your generous comment – I realize not there maybe some confusion over Riteish’s identity. Yes I wanted to highlight exactly that its not an easy choice or decision, both are right in their place. Interestingly, when I started to write the story, I had this idea of a clear cut suppression of the boy’s talents and dreams and his subsequent disillusionment but it ended up being something else – thanks for reading and commenting 🙂

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