The Friday Fictioneers is a writing challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The task of the challenge is to write a story in 100 words or less. You can find all the Fictioneers’ stories when you click on the little frog. Reciprocation is the life of this challenge!
Persuasion
“Come on Casey, stop crying.”
“I want my books, Mum.”
“You’ll get something much better when we’re on the ship. There’ll be a room full of interactive Holo-panels, you can read, listen, play, or watch a movie. And once we’re on the planet you’ll get your own panels.”
“But I want my dinosaurs. And Pooh.”
“They’ll be there.”
“But they’re in the computers. They aren’t real.”
“And the ones in the books are?”
“U-huh. They step out of the books and really play with me. Not like some boring program…”
“All right. Take one book. I’ll leave something else behind.”
(100 words)
Thank you all for asking, I’m feeling OK again.
My muse needed a lot of tickling this week. She told me she’s tired and needs some rest, but I insist on the Friday Fictioneers story at least…
Write already! 
I keep wanting to tell you that your header picture (I know, not yours) is so stunning.
OK. that’s out of the way, I can focus on your wonderful story. That kid knows of what he speaks! It is different holding a real book vs looking a screen. So glad Mum is allowing at least one 🙂
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Thanks Dale. I plan to put a stunning landscape picture from Pixabay in the header every month this year. There are so many…
And I hear you on the books. I love ebooks, but I also like to hold a paper book. I used to hug them, fall asleep on them when I was a kid. I try to avoid that with my tablet. 😉
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It’s truly amazing.
Yes. E-books are great for travel and at night in bed because I can turn off the light and read anyway… I try not to fall asleep with it. Would hate for it to fall to the floor. (Not that I can ever remember falling asleep with a book…)
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This so interesting. A child of the ‘old school’ rejecting technology for reality. Wonderful.
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Thank you Bill. I don’t think she is rejecting it, just not giving up on books. I wouldn’t either although I love my tablet and the many ebooks I can carry around easily. And it’s not the same. Swishing is inferior to turning pages, marking places with the fingers, dog-earing… sure, we have bookmarks, but it’s just not the same…
😀
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It is not the same. Old books, reference or instructional books, Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, and those I comment (write) in must be paper. But I love my e-books too.
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The mother made the right call there. One day, the book may be a sacred relic for his descendents
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Hehehe. Behold the hallowed Book of Pooh. Bow down to the wisdom of Mother.
Thank you!
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I hope he chose well.
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I’m sure of it. ‘Thank you!
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I love the way your story makes the sacrifices of colonists very real and personal. Casey can have a book – but only one, and something else must be left behind.
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I’m glad you noticed. I can throw the ‘perceptive reading’ compliment right back atcha. 🙂 Thank you Penny.
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Books will outlast all technology!
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I agree, they make our knowledte independent. Thank you.
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yes, there is something personal about holding a book.
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That’s true. I used to fall asleep on my books as a kid, but avoid doing that with my tablet. 😉 Thank you.
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Holo-panels just aren’t the same.
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Thank you! I agree, although the way I see them they could be a lot of fun… 🙂
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In years to come, he may open the planet’s first library!
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That is quite likely. 🙂 Thank you.
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Such a smart child to choose the real over the mechanical.
Nicely done … Have a wonderful weekend
Isadora 😎
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Books have that kind of magic… Thank you!
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Indeed, they do. Your welcome. Have a great Wednesday … 😎
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i don’t know why but i’m one of those who love the smell of paper of ink when i read. 🙂
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Maybe one day they can build that into tablets? 🙂 Thank you!
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I love a good interplanetary setting so you had me from the start. Casey has discovered that when we read our imagination brings book characters to life more powerfully than when they’re on a screen. I bet that one book will be well thumbed.
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That’s exactly what I meant, thank you Margaret. Maybe one day, when they ever get supply ships, they’ll get a load of books… or learn to produce them themselves.
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Very interesting story with the futuristic setting. I agree that books bring characters alive more than holo-grams and movies. So glad the mother listened and took one with them. It will be a treasure for the others as well I bet!
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I’m sure you’re right. Maybe they get more if a supply ship arrives. Thank you!
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/dear Gabi,
I love it that Casey would rather have a book than a holo-panel. Glad his mother listened to him. Delightful piece and I’m so glad you’re feeling better.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle. Books are universal treasures. 🙂
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Books can be held and cherished. You can get lost in them. I hope they end up packing several.
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They will probably want more in the future. Thank you!
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Magical story weaving. I can see this as a scene in Star Trek prequel, with Captain Kirk or Uhuru as a kid.
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Oh, what a fun idea! Thank you.
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You’re welcome.
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Books allow us to use our imaginations in a way other media can’t. I love the sci-fi, TNG take on that.
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I totally agree. I’m glad that you like the vibe. Thank you. 🙂
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This kid recognizes the value of imagination. Me too. So true.
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If we didn’t we wouldn’t be able to write, I think. Thank you!
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Ooooooooo I love the idea of books bringing to life characters. I mean they do but I love this story!
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I’m glad you do, thank you. 😀
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