What Pegman Saw – Five Star Wife

“What Pegman saw” is a weekly challenge based on Google Streetview, and this week it takes us to a beach resort in Mexico. Using the 360 degree view of the location provided, you must write a piece of flash fiction of no more than 150 words. You can read the rules here. You can find today’s location on this page,  from where you can also get the Inlinkz code.

WPS - Five Star Wife - 171118

Five Star Wife

“What a dump!”

“Sun, you said. Sun, sand and sea! And there they are!” Sue gestured at the gritty beach with the sullen Pacific half a mile away. The sun beat down. It was thirty degrees and only ten in the morning.

“Five star luxury, you said” grumbled Jeff.

“The hotel is lovely. If you don’t fancy the beach, go back, sit by the pool and ogle that American girl!”

“I didn’t…” began Jeff.

“Oh, it’s all right. Look, but don’t touch.”

“Anyway, I’d rather be with you.”

“Then sit here, in the shade, and quit moaning.”

The barman smiled at her.

“Could I get a sangria for me and a beer for him?”

“Of course, Senora. I’ll bring them to your table.”

“Do you have wifi?”

“Naturally.” He handed her a printed card. “Network. Password.”

Sue strolled back to Jeff and ruffled his hair.

“Miserable old git,” she said, tenderly.

26 thoughts on “What Pegman Saw – Five Star Wife”

    • Dear Ivor
      Thank you for reading and commenting. Yes, you’re quite right. They’re empty-nesters. She understands what makes him happy, and makes sure she provides it. And when he relaxes he will be excellent company!

      Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Lynn
      Thank you for reading and commenting. Yes, they know each other through and through; they’re a great fit for each other. She bosses him around, spends his money, and keeps him happy – and he is entertaining company, always sends her a valentine and never misses an anniversary however busy he is at work!
      Glad you liked the sullen ocean!
      With best wishes
      Penny

      Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Josh
      Thank you for reading and commenting. I think Sue books most of their holidays; she loves the planning. Chiapas was cheap(ish) and once Jeff relaxes properly they’ll have a great time!
      All the best
      Penny

      Like

    • Dear Karen
      Thank you for reading and commenting.
      No, Jeff’s not hungover. He’s a bit jet-lagged, and it’s the morning of their first full day in the resort, and even Sue would have to admit that it’s not the most glamorous beach in the world! But after a drink they’ll explore, find the watersports/subaqua providers and Jeff will relax and enjoy himself.
      That’s a lovely comment about the dialogue; thank you! And I’m glad you liked ‘sullen Pacific’.
      With best wishes
      Penny

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I loved the bit about ogling at the American girl. The wife knows her husband all too well, and still accepts him for it. Sullen describes the ocean really well. It was the feeling I got when I first saw the photograph and tried (and failed) to respond to the prompt.

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    • Dear TM
      Thank you for reading and commenting.
      It’s funny what inspires us and what doesn’t, isn’t it? Today’s photo worked really well for me – the story almost wrote itself. But sometimes I really struggle. I hate not posting, so when that happens I turn the challenge into a technical exercise.
      A poem by Rudyard Kipling starts with the lines
      “I keep six honest serving-men
      (They taught me all I knew);
      Their names are What and Why and When
      And How and Where and Who.”
      Asking those questions of the picture will almost always spark something!
      With best wishes
      Penny

      Liked by 1 person

      • Rudyard Kipling’s advice makes a ton of sense. I think I’ll incorporate that into my future writing exercises. 😛

        I only tend to be able to write when I have enough understanding of the subject matter. Last week’s prompt in Greece for example worked for me because I was relatively familiar with Greek mythology. But Mexico? I don’t know much about the Spanish culture, and I can’t stomach the thought of treating cultures too callously. I suppose that’s why I couldn’t find much inspiration for this prompt.

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    • Haha! I’m half of a middle-aged couple, Kelvin! I’m glad you felt the story was written with a light touch. Mind you, at its heart there’s quite a serious message. Jeff is rather fed-up. Sue could easily – and justifiably – respond grumpily. Instead, she uses her knowledge of Jeff to coax him into relaxing and starting to enjoy himself. Life is often what you make it!
      Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment.
      With best wishes
      Penny

      Liked by 1 person

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