As usual, Rob flinched, but this time he felt a pulse of hope. Maybe it would work if he asked permission to go for a weekend out camping with the boys right now. Father was always in a generous mood when he talked of pleasure.
Work is worship, Father replied instead, handing him a pair of ratty old gloves that did nothing to save his hands from blisters, Get to work, and no breaks till lunchtime. And remember, happiness, my boy! Look alive! He strode out with a crackle of dead leaves under his feet.
Rob got rid of his jacket, set to work.
I’m happy, he said with each stroke, his arms straining as he lifted the hatchet, One day I’ll be truly happy, he continued as he brought it down. The day it is your head right here Father, he said, setting the next log for splitting, that day I would labor like I need nothing else.
——-
If you liked this story you might like some of the stories I wrote for my A to Z last year.

3. Leave a link to you when you comment.
Thanks everyone, again, for the time you took to comment on the piece.
The boy was abused by Father, and I just let the undercurrents remain as they are, to be guessed at bythe reader—I guess when (if) I come back to it again, I'll try and decide if I was too subtle (as Isabella pointed out)
This one describes the generation gap very aptly…be it chopping woods or other things kids don't like to be forced at.
Hope the kid's last thoughts were a mere expression of his anger and frustration and he didn't actually mean them!
Ha nice one! Got the subtle hint of dark intentions/deeds on the dad's part, but wonder if it was maybe too subtle?… Hmmm, still, a very good piece!:)
Isabella
Fairytale Review: 'Fanta-Ghiro the Beautiful'
*shudders*
Great job Damyanti!
I've always maintained that good, honest, hard work never killed anybody… but your piece lends a twisted meaning to that philosophy!
It had a very creepy third reichish feeling to it…
That glove looks that its really used for a long time 🙂
Egad! What fantastic writing and veeery ominous. The ending positively surprised me. Eerie man! 🙂
I got a sinister feeling when the father stroked Rob's back, rubbed his behind. Off with his head!
The first thing that struck me is that you aren't using quotation marks. I wonder why.
Visiting for the A to Z Challenge. We're doing guest post writing tips.
wow…
i had to read it twice…
and even knowing the ending, i was still chilled at the end…
i always say "no one ever said on their deathbed, i wish i had worked one more day, and just a little bit harder"
The father in your story reminds me of my own father! 🙂
Very intense. I sensed his pent-up anger and bitterness.
Now that's some anger issues !! Very apt for Fri 13th !
Awesome! I've felt that way when working as a kid, and I'm sure mine feel that way now! Ha!
Love this moody piece! Thanks for sharing!
Dark story. Very Friday the 13th appropriate.
Yikes! What a cliffhanger! 🙂
Some Dark Romantic
Wow, harsh. Didn't expect that ending. I knew he hated the work he was doing but not that much.
Yes chilling indeed. Reminds me of a drunk that taught the one creative writing class I ever took, he made hints of attraction to young boys – gross.
Great writing!!
Chilling – a family secret only hinted at. well done, and a great wrap-up.
wow i guess that is what it means to provoke your children to wrath
Labor lessons for no pay…hard ones to learn especially when the payoff is given and taken as punishment and bitterness….or at least that's my take. I'm sure there's more one could read into the ending. Well done.
OK, your story made me worry. I live in northern Michigan and cutting and stacking wood is a family exercise. Of course, we have a mechanical log splitter, so it should be OK.
My husband is excellent at chopping wood. There is a style to it that involves sliding the hands to get maximum impact. If you do it well, you can also do really good at those hammer games at fairs.
He's bitter!
Ooo, that had a dark ending.
Dark story, enjoyed reading it.
http://sulekharawat.com/2012/04/13/k-is-for-kitchen-phobia/
Oh, powerful! Very well written–you (meaning me, of course) can definitely feel the emotions of both characters.
Cool story! What a nice way to start my day.