10-Minute Writing Prompts: Journey

Prompt: In ten minutes, write what you think is happening in this image.

My story:

The morning had started off less than perfect with my picky eater refusing breakfast. I never liked to tell him about the fun activities I had planned too far ahead, or he would nag incessantly until I made good on my word. Occasionally, however, it was worth mentioning such activities as a reward for good behavior.

“If you finish your eggs, then I’ll take you to the lake!” I promised enthusiastically.

I could see the spark light up his eyes as he lifted his fork. In record time, his plate was licked clean, and he was out of his seat. Running to his room, he opened his drawers before I could stop him, pulling out all of the clothes he could get his hands on in search of his swimming trunks.

Although it was a bit frustrating, I could never stay upset when watching him bounce gleefully around the room. Instead of focusing on the mess, I took a few moments to gather our picnic lunches, towels, and water toys, all while he begged me to hurry along.

I managed to wrangle him into his car seat and started off toward the lake. The whole way, he sang about fish and sharks, and I did not have the heart to tell him there would be no sharks where we were going.

By the end of the journey, he was thoroughly tired of waiting, and just before steam could start pouring from his ears, I announced, “We’re here!” The look on his face after pulling into the parking lot was enough to warm my heart for the rest of the exhausting day.