Giving It a Miss
A Thursday Prompt story
© 2026 by Walter Reimer

Prompt: pass


“Are you sure you’re not going to Barry’s funeral?” Vicky asked. The ewe was dressed in black for the occasion, while the ram she spoke to was wearing his underwear. Chuck was leaning back in his recliner, a beer and a small plate of snacks on the table beside him.

The ram grunted. “Nah. I’ve been to too many funerals over the years. Hell,” he chuckled, “I might even give mine a miss.”

Vicky chuckled before leaning over. “Well, I’ll let everyone know you couldn’t make it.” She kissed him.

He returned the kiss and smiled. “Drive carefully,” and as she left, he picked up the remote and put the game on.

A half hour in, the home team’s quarterback was scampering around while being pursued by several huge linebackers. “Throw it!” Chuck yelled, as if the player could hear him. “Throw the damned ball!” The QB finally threw the ball toward the opposing team’s sideline, where it was fielded by a benchwarmer.

Chuck settled back as his team huddled before the next play, briefly guilty that he was missing his friend’s funeral. But he’d told Vicky the truth; he hated going to funerals because he hated saying goodbye.

From the corner of the ram’s eye he fancied he could see Barry seated in the chair beside him. The basset raised his beer in salute, a gesture Chuck copied.


end