If You Don’t Ask…
Flash Fiction
Youngster was greatly excited when his dad offered to take him to see the sights in London. They visited a number of landmarks. At Trafalgar Square, the lad asked what it was, and dad seemed stumped.
You know m’boy, I’ve seen it before, but simply can’t remember what it’s called.
Next they crossed a bridge over the Thames. Lovely great river this dad, the boy said happily, d’you know its name?
Ach! You’ve got me here, m’boy. The name is on the tip of my tongue, but … hang on … no, can’t remember, sorry.
Piccadilly Circus was not luckier. He nearly remembered someone big lived in Buckingham Palace. Westminster Abbey? Ah yes, I know, it’s… eh … some famous cathedral.
Sadly he could not answer a single one of the lad’s questions. On the bus home, the boy apologised. Sorry dad, I kept pestering you with all my questions, at which the old man looked at the boy, full of love.
If you don’t ask questions, my love, how are you gonna learn anything.
Back home, his mother asked him if he had enjoyed the outing.
Sure did, mum.
Had he had learnt anything?
Oh definitely, he answered, a very important lesson.
What’s that?
Well mum, if you don’t ask questions you’re never gonna learn nothing.
