“What Pegman saw” is a weekly challenge based on Google Streetview. Using 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. This week’s prompt is the Billinudgel Hotel, NSW, Australia.
Billinudgel Hotel, Billinudgel, NSW, Australia, © Cube Online Services Google Maps
Coming of age
The big screen lounge in the Billinudgel Hotel was booked solid throughout the Sydney Olympics.
“Hey, Blue! Sell us your ticket?”
“Not on your life.”
“What’s a wimp like you want with a ticket anyway?”
His dad had said much the same.
“Something to do with your writing? You’ll never make a living at it.”
On October 1st, he was in the lounge with hours to spare. He drank slowly. “Afraid you’ll be caught drunk in charge of a pencil?” jeered his mates.
There was a rousing cheer as the closing ceremony started.
In Blue’s thoughts, words describing the event coalesced into sentences, into paragraphs, and he knew; this is what he was born to do.
The closing concert began, and a tsunami of triumphant emotion swept out from the stadium, around the world, lifting the hearts of billions. The headline flashed into Blue’s head.
“Australia, you’ve come of age!”
Autumn Leaves 
Love this…. May all the naysayers be damned… Go Blue!
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Dear Dale
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m so glad you liked the story!
With very best wishes
Penny
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Very much so!
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I also liked the story (like Dale) and this seemed to build and build until I felt the bit of thunderous chest vibe with:
closing concert began, and a tsunami of triumphant emotion….
ugh –
inspiring
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Dear Yvette
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you felt that my story built to a climax.
With best wishes
Penny
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🙂
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And so had Blue! That last line sums up your MC as well as the country. He knows where he’s going and what he needs to do in life – a glorious ending. And I have a feeling that in a few years, those people talking him down in the pub will have to change their tune. Grand tale Penny
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Dear Lynn
Thank you for reading and commenting. As you say, the MC has come of age, as well as the nation.
In fact, I was very moved when I watched the closing ceremony. The sense that Australia had come of age felt absolutely overwhelming, and the Games had been such a magnificent achievement. For a few minutes the tears were pouring down my cheeks. What it must have been like for an Australian I can’t imagine!
With best wishes
Penny
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My pleasure Penny. We haven’t watched that much of the games, but what we did watch was spectacular. All the best
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Great story. I really like the cheerful mood throughout.
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Dear Josh
Thank you for reading and for your kind comment. I was glad to write something upbeat this week!
With best wishes
Penny
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Wonderful, such a lovely build-up and a wonderful payoff. I imagine everyone here is rooting for this character!
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Dear Karen
Thank you for reading and commenting so kindly. I’m glad you thought the build-up was effective, and that the pay-off worked. I watched the closing ceremony on the TV at the time, and it made a huge impression on me – as you can tell by my remembering it vividly after 18 years!
Yes, all we writers and aspiring writers will be rooting for Blue – although not, perhaps in the sense in which EagleAye used the word!
With very best wishes
Penny
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HA! Yes, given my recent introduction to that definition, that was probably a poor choice of words.
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I really liked the way you gave us such a clear sense of what it’s like to be Blue- teased, jeered at, and then his great moment of realisation – a happy ending ! Well done.
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Dear Francine
Thank you for reading and your thoughtful comment. I’m glad Blue’s setbacks and eventual realisation came across strongly to you.
With best wishes
Penny
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Wonderful story about dreams and going after them.
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Dear Lisa
Thank you for reading and commenting. Yes, the piece was all about the realisation of dreams – for Blue, for the athletes and for Australia. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
With best wishes
Penny
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There is such hope, and obstinance it this tale. Blue, doing what he needs to do in spite of the jeers from his peers AND his father. Hope for him and the country, with both coming of age. Delightful story.
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Dear Alicia
Thank you for reading and for your perceptive comments. You’re quite right – Blue had to show both obstinacy and hope to achieve his dream as he came of age. I’m glad you found the story delightful.
With best wishes
Penny
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