The Graduation Surprise | 14 September @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2160 | Prompt: no more cash (no más efectivo)

in Freewriters2 years ago

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The beat emanating from the tune of pomp and circumstance drowned out Phillip McKnight's thoughts. He sat, clapping, his hands on automatic. A proud father, he smiled waiting for his daughter, Sarah, to receive evidence of her accomplishment.

An engineer she set as her goal with her father's assistance. But Phillip was unable to relax in the comfortable chair of the balcony section reserved for family and friends. No more cash. No more cash. The words circled in front of his eyes like the steady stream of graduates circling the stage as a senior, then ending on the opposite side, headed toward their adult lives.

Behind him sat other parents. Glancing at the program, he wondered if thoughts of reduced future financial aid for students and higher student debt were on their minds as their children preceded or would follow his daughter on this momentous day.

Hopefuls leaving the known structured environment for the unknown adult world. If that world consisted of entering secondary education, were the parents ready?

With clenched teeth, Phillip looked ahead. He hadn't confided in his wife about the real estate investment transactions.

He searched the crowd of caps and tassels for his precious Sarah. A model student, she completed her part of their agreement. All he and his wife had to do was handle their part. He crossed, then uncrossed his feet several times while squeezing the folded program.

Two children walked across the stage and onto the college scene. He felt proud that he lived up to his obligations.

A disappointment he didn't want to consider with the last two in high school. His wife reached over and grabbed his hand.

Afterward, Sarah rushed to her parents, then hugged her dad tightly. Her biggest fan and supporter, she blurted, "one step closer to flying those planes. I'm ready for my surprise you promised. And only one more graduation." She turned and playfully tugged at her younger brother.

Her dad smiled, holding back tears.

An after graduation dinner, then a week graduation party, Sarah enjoyed her new freedom, looking forward to her future.

Driving to their favorite beach location in silence, Phillip gathered the words, then stammered, "Our liquid assets, all $200,000 is wiped out. The real estate investment group disbanded. No one can reach them."

Suppressing it for the past three weeks, he finally had said it. A deep sigh escaped as if releasing a huge burden.

Looking straight ahead, his wife, Maude, merely replied, "I know. But I didn't want to spoil end of senior year for Sarah. We have an alternate source for her, then we'll have three years to regroup before Allen.

Phillip's face was drained of color and his voice crackled. "I've been in agony. I could just end it all for my stupidity trusting a real estate investment club for shopping centers. I didn't do a thorough enough research. I've disappointed my entire family."

"I looked at the proposal also. Don't own the blame entirely. We can refinance our mortgage and look at other options. It's not the end." Maude attempted an upbeat attitude.

Phillip struggled to reveal his thoughts the past three weeks, but now lamented. "I'm worth more to my family out of your lives.*

Maude frowned, but didn't respond. Her body went rigid as she tried to unravel the implications of his statement. She waited until they reached their destination.

Grabbing his arm, she yelled. "what do you mean by that? Thinking along those lines is not a solution to our temporary financial setback. If you haven't noticed all these years, you mean more to us than solely providing financial security!"

Phillip half smiled. "I'm glad to know that. I wasn't thinking of using the life insurance policy other than to take the cash option out."

"Whew, that's a relief. I need you here in the present to get our last child through high school and off to college. Then we can plan our after-children years. Now, let's go watch the ebb and flow of the tides because that's our life." She reached for her husband's hand and led him toward serenity for the evening.

"You are the best wife in the world." Phillip smiled, sitting on the edge of the sand.

"Wouldn't go that far, but I know I'm the best one for you, and the best mother for your children."

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! [The Graduation Surprise Spanish Translation]

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La sorpresa de la graduación

El ritmo que emanaba de la melodía de pompa y circunstancia ahogó los pensamientos de Phillip McKnight. Se sentó, aplaudiendo, con las manos en automático. Padre orgulloso, sonreía esperando que su hija, Sarah, recibiera la prueba de su logro.

Una ingeniera que se propuso como meta con la ayuda de su padre. Pero Phillip no pudo relajarse en el cómodo sillón de la sección del balcón reservada a familiares y amigos. No más dinero. No más efectivo. Las palabras daban vueltas delante de sus ojos como el flujo constante de graduados que rodean el escenario como alumnos de último curso y terminan en el lado opuesto, rumbo a su vida adulta.

Detrás de él se sentaban otros padres. Echando un vistazo al programa, se preguntó si tendrían en mente la reducción de las futuras ayudas económicas a los estudiantes y el aumento de la deuda estudiantil, ya que sus hijos precedían o seguirían a su hija en este día trascendental.

Esperanzas que abandonaban el entorno estructurado conocido para adentrarse en el desconocido mundo de los adultos. Si ese mundo consistía en entrar en la educación secundaria, ¿estaban los padres preparados?

Con los dientes apretados, Phillip miró al frente. No le había confiado a su mujer lo de las operaciones de inversión inmobiliaria.

Buscó entre la multitud de gorros y borlas a su preciosa Sarah. Estudiante modelo, había cumplido su parte del acuerdo. Todo lo que él y su esposa tenían que hacer era ocuparse de su parte. Cruzó y luego descruzó los pies varias veces mientras apretaba el programa doblado.

Dos niños cruzaron el escenario y entraron en la escena universitaria. Se sintió orgulloso de haber estado a la altura de sus obligaciones.

Una decepción que no quiso considerar con los dos últimos en el instituto. Su mujer se acercó y le cogió de la mano.

Después, Sarah corrió hacia sus padres y abrazó a su padre con fuerza. Su mayor admiradora y partidaria, soltó, "un paso más cerca de pilotar esos aviones. Estoy lista para la sorpresa que me prometiste. Y sólo una graduación más". Se dio la vuelta y tiró juguetonamente de su hermano pequeño.

Su padre sonrió, conteniendo las lágrimas.

Una cena después de la graduación, luego una fiesta de graduación de una semana, Sarah disfrutó de su nueva libertad, mirando hacia su futuro.

Mientras conducían en silencio hacia su playa favorita, Phillip reunió las palabras y balbuceó: "Nuestros activos líquidos, los 200.000 dólares se han esfumado. El grupo de inversión inmobiliaria se disolvió. Nadie puede contactar con ellos".

Lo había reprimido durante tres semanas y por fin lo había dicho. Un profundo suspiro se escapó como si liberara una enorme carga.

Mirando al frente, su mujer, Maude, se limitó a responder: "Lo sé. Pero no quería estropearle a Sarah el final del último curso. Tenemos una fuente alternativa para ella, luego tendremos tres años para reagruparnos antes de Allen.

La cara de Phillip se drenó de color y su voz crujió. "He estado en agonía. Podría acabar con todo por mi estupidez al confiar en un club de inversión inmobiliaria en centros comerciales. No investigué lo suficiente. He decepcionado a toda mi familia".

"Yo también miré la propuesta. No tengas toda la culpa. Podemos refinanciar nuestra hipoteca y buscar otras opciones. No es el fin". Maude intentó mantener una actitud optimista.

A Phillip le costó revelar sus pensamientos las últimas tres semanas, pero ahora se lamentaba. "Valgo más para mi familia fuera de vuestras vidas".

Maude frunció el ceño, pero no respondió. Su cuerpo se puso rígido mientras intentaba desentrañar las implicaciones de su afirmación. Esperó a que llegaran a su destino.

Le agarró del brazo y le gritó. "¿Qué quieres decir con eso? Pensar así no es la solución a nuestro contratiempo económico temporal. Por si no te has dado cuenta en todos estos años, significas mucho más para nosotros que sólo proporcionarnos seguridad económica".

Phillip esbozó una media sonrisa. "Me alegra saberlo. No pensaba usar la póliza del seguro de vida más que para sacar la opción en efectivo".

"Qué alivio. Te necesito aquí en el presente para que nuestro último hijo termine el instituto y vaya a la universidad. Entonces podremos planificar los años posteriores. Ahora, vamos a ver el flujo y reflujo de las mareas porque esa es nuestra vida". Cogió la mano de su marido y lo condujo hacia la serenidad de la noche.

"Eres la mejor esposa del mundo". Phillip sonrió, sentándose en el borde de la arena.

"No iría tan lejos, pero sé que soy la mejor para ti, y la mejor madre para tus hijos".

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Para mi tema, me inspiré y utilicé la publicación de @daily.prompt de 14 September @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2160: no more cash

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For my theme, I was inspired by and utilized the @daily.prompt's publishing of 14 September @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2160: no more cash

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Good luck everyone with whatever your endeavors.

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SOURCES:
a) JustClickindiva's Footer created in Canva utilizing its free background and images used with permission from discord admins.
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone, & (iii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) All Community logos, banners, page dividers used with permission of Discord Channel admins.
e) Ladies of Hive banner used with permission of and in accordance with the admin's guidelines
f) Thumbnail Image created by me in Canva.
g) "Flames." What is Apophysis 2.09. https://flam3.com/

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English is my native language.
If translation included, I use DeepL to assist my readers.
Thanks for your patience an understanding
.

El inglés es mi lengua materna.
Si se incluye traducción, utilizo DeepL para ayudar a mis lectores.
Gracias por su paciencia y comprensión.

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What a touching story! Maude is an understanding and wise woman. I've heard stories and seen movies where people end their lives prematurely because situations are unfavourable. But nothing lasts forever and there will always be a way out.

I'm particularly floored by Maude's statement at the end,

"Now, let's go watch the ebb and flow of the tides because that's our life."*

Such words of wisdom! Just as the tides have their natural patterns of rising and falling, so does our human lives. We have periods of ups and downs; changes in cyclical patterns. We simply need to adjust to each pattern and keep living with hope and faith.

Beautifully written, as always. Thanks for sharing this story. Take care and a great day! 💕 !PIMP


You must be killin' it out here!
@kemmyb just slapped you with 1.000 PIMP, @justclickindiva.
You earned 1.000 PIMP for the strong hand.
They're getting a workout and slapped 1/1 possible people today.

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Read about some PIMP Shit or Look for the PIMP District

Yes, relationships have ups and downs, just like ordinary life. It's how we handle these stressful times that determine the outcome. The period in a couple's life when planning for their children's next educational level is crucial. In the ordinary course of marriage, financial problems sometimes do arise. However, when planning for important events, and the situation results in a negative impact on the family, careful maneuvering must be done.

In all relationships, communication is key to solving issues that arise. I was happy that Maude supported her husband through the investment decision they both were responsible for and not blame him but look for ways to solve the dilemma for the sake of the children's future.

I appreciate your visit and kind compliment for my story. I'm pleased you liked the theme and outcome.

Take care and have a good rest of your week.

!ALIVE

@kemmyb! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @ justclickindiva. (2/10)

The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want, plus you can win Hive Power (2x 50 HP) and Alive Power (2x 500 AP) delegations (4 weeks), and Ecency Points (4x 50 EP), in our chat every day.

Kudos to Maude!
She is truly the woman of the story
So sensible!!!

Yes, she is the heroine of the story and for her family keeping it together until the graduation. No need to upset anything. I truly feel that parents should not take financial matters to their children. Yes, children need to know certain things, but arguing over financial in front of them is unnecessary. Parents can work out issues to the side, especially if they affect the children's education.

They only need to worry about their studies, and not finances.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your support.

!ALIVE

@rafzat! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @ justclickindiva. (6/10)

The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want, plus you can win Hive Power (2x 50 HP) and Alive Power (2x 500 AP) delegations (4 weeks), and Ecency Points (4x 50 EP), in our chat every day.

https://hive.blog/hive-197685/@pataty69/hp-lease-market

Your post was read, approved and voted by the curator @pataty69 and followed by the curator trail.
I wish you continue to contribute with interesting and quality publications to the Hive blockchain.

O teu post foi lido,aprovado e votado pelo curador @pataty69 e seguido pela trilha de curadoria.
Desejo que continues a contribuir com postagens de interesse e qualidade para a blockchain Hive.


Translated and formatted with Hive Translator by @noakmilo.




Gif by @doze

Thanks so much for your manual curation of my Freewrite story. I'm pleased you liked it and gave it your support.

Take care and have a good rest of your week.

!ALIVE

@pataty69! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @ justclickindiva. (2/10)

The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want, plus you can win Hive Power (2x 50 HP) and Alive Power (2x 500 AP) delegations (4 weeks), and Ecency Points (4x 50 EP), in our chat every day.

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Bang, I did it again... I just rehived your post!
Week 175 of my contest just started...you can now check the winners of the previous week!
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