Flash Fiction: Bagpiper

“Well laddie, are you sure about this? It won’t be easy.”

The burly man was looking at me with doubtful eyes.

“Yes, sir. I’m sure.”

He nodded at me.

“Very well. Then I suggest…”

Before he could finish his sentence, I heard my friends running towards me.

“Hey Ian! Whatchya doing here? Let’s go to the guitar section.”

“You go on ahead, guys. I will join you in a bit.”

Darren looked at me suspiciously.

“Say Ian, are you interested in bagpipes?”

I nodded at him. My friends looked at each other for a second and then burst out laughing.

“You are such a loser, Ian. Everyone knows bagpipes is for old men. Guitars are the cool stuff. Let’s go guys!”

I watched as my friends turned around and went towards the guitar section of the exhibition. I looked up at the man, who had witnessed my interaction with my friends. I could feel tears welling up. The man smiled at me and ruffled my hair.

“Don’t listen to them, laddie. If you really want to learn bagpipes, do it. I will teach you. Do your best, and prove them wrong.”

I smiled back, at my new mentor.

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Word Count: 198

Prompts:

Sunday Photo Fiction – Sept 9, 2018

Tale Weaver #187 – Doing Your Best – 6th September