Writing Prompt Story Starter: Getting Together


Shutterstock / Yulia Grigoryeva ©

After what seems like a very long time indoors, I had a lovely weekend recently, with not one but two meals out.

In an actual restaurant, not outdoors, as we’ve all been doing to keep everyone safe.

On the Saturday, I met with a group of ladies who have been friends since schooldays. More than forty years now!

And on the Sunday, it was Mother’s Day, and the mums of the family were treated to a meal out.

I wondered if this might help prompt a story for you, this week.

Getting Ready

As all the clothes in my wardrobe seem to have shrunk since lockdown (!) – buying something new for an occasion. Not something many of us have been doing, since we’ve all been mainly at home for two years.

Being on time.  Or not!

Getting there – taxi? A lift? Walking?

Meeting Up

How good it is to catch up with friends – especially after such a long two years. What’s been happening? What’s the news?

Being able to chat and share all life’s joys and sorrows.

Feeling better for realising that whatever you’re going through, you’re never alone. True friends, celebrating or commiserating, never judging.

Restaurants

It’s such a long time since we’ve all been in a crowded restaurant!

Menus. Waiters and waitresses – good service.

Phones at the table?

Veggie and vegan options.

Desserts!

Tipping.

Friends And Family

We met up in the house after our Mother’s Day meal, and it occurred to me that this was by far the most people we’ve had together at a family ‘do’ since March of 2020.

So – family get-togethers. Lots of noise, and chatter.

Flowers, and cards.

Cups of tea.

Appreciating what a gift friends and family are.

Celebrating all the mums, grandmas, nans and grannies, and those who’ve been like mums to us – those with us, and those we’ve loved.

Lucy Crichton

Fiction Editor Lucy is always on the look-out for the very best short stories, poems and pocket novels. As well as sourcing enjoyable content, she enjoys working with our established contributors, encouraging new talent, and celebrating 155 years of 'Friend' fiction!