This Generation.
To Z or not to Z.
“Hi Grandad.”
“Oh, hello there, son.”
“Happy Birthday.."
“Why thank you – I do feel another year older, but I’m not sure I feel any wiser!”
“Ha.”
“I’m not sure this is going to sound particularly fun to young ears, but the paper has published its 'best books for the year' list this morning. I’d say that’s me sorted perusing the library for the day! Maybe topped off with a birthday whiskey-dry this evening.”
“Cool.”
“So, how’s school going, have they got you reading much these days?”
“Mm.. not really.”
“Oh, that is a shame. No Shakespeare, then?”
“Nah.”
“Hrmph. What a pity. Do you fancy a game?”
“A game?”
“Of chess.”
“On my phone? It’s single-player.”
“No, on my board, there. I’ll set it up if you’d like. We could have a right go at it – grasshopper versus the master.”
“Um. That’s okay.”
“Oh, alright. Well. Would you like to stay for a cuppa? Or for dinner? I’m no chef but I can put together something nice.”
“I’d better be going…”
“Are you sure? You are most welcome to stay, I can turn the tele on…”
“I’d better head…”
“Okay, son. It was lovely to see you. Thank you for stopping by. You’re welcome here anytime. I love hearing what you're getting up to.”
“Kay. See ya G-dad.”
About the Creator
Joe O’Connor
New Zealander
English teacher
Short stories and poems📚
Please be honest- I would love your constructive feedback, as it's the only way I'll get better. Would rather it was pointed out so I can improve!
Currently writing James The Wonderer
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
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Comments (27)
Hi J~O - No matter which side of the pond you may be on, we're all experiencing 'insane' changes focusing on selfish group and individual agendas, doing harm-distractions from this generation's learning. Ah, "Progress!" Joe, I'm glad you like my Silly Shorts & Goofy Sketches. But, as you do so well I like to put a little 'Grit' into mine: Gen Z'z didn't invent 'Sarcasm'...Right? If you have a moment please scroll down to my 'Baby Mamas' - you will relate. j-bud in.l.a. Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California 'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community
Your dialogue was captivating Joe, but for such a short story I didn’t think this would give me so much to think about after. I stand corrected. It caught me off guard and spoke volumes. Well done on a superb piece.
Oh! Stay you sorry little ingrate! 😁😁😁😁
Congratulations on Top Story Joe!
This is such an accurate portrayal of the chasm of generations. This reminded me of the song "Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin. Great writing, as always, Joe! Congrats on a well-deserved Top Story!
Beautiful :) brings a lot of emotions through some really effective dialogue. Always nice to read your writing!
I lost my Gdad only a few months ago, I loved spending time with him, and spent a lot of time towards the last few months and I know if I hadn't I'd regret it. This made me feel something towards it, so thank you for that! Congrats on your top story as well, well deserved!
Simon George - https://vattutieuhaophongsach.com.vn/
Congrats on your top story.
Great 👍
Brilliant story
Hmmm maybe not to Z, LOL. Poor gramps trying so hard. Great story, loved it and fabulous Top Story!!💕
Very true. It's a shame that it takes losing something to know how important those little moments truly are.
Brilliantly woven I must say thus story deserved to be on top Many congratulations
Older but wiser👍
I'm a Millenial but that is me with my grandparents. On second thought, I'm like this with everyone 😅😅 Congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
You captured this perfectly. That discomfort of not knowing how to engage with the older generation, it’s so heartbreaking to see the rejection. Especially on his birthday. So well done, Joe.
Oooo. I am conflicted by this one. Such truth and yet as I grow older I want to reach in to a young world not draw them into mine. How do we enable ourselves to connect better as we age? This is a question I challenge myself with every day. Very thought provoking. ❤️
This seemingly pleasant chat reveals how readily--and lamentably--gentle offers of communion, both with the elder and the culture he loves, can be ignored. Nicely done!
Boom! Congrats on a blimey that's quick Top Story, but one that is deserved!
How lovely that is! Brilliant.
Stay, boy, stay!
Despite the title I still hoped for a sweet interaction as this started out. The grandson shooting down all of the grandfather’s suggested activities was so sad. Excellent dialogue poem, Joe!
👌❤️💕
All too accurate, and very well written. Great job, Joe!