“IT WAS THE SUMMER OF 1974. The sun beat down on the homestead scorching the grass. Our animals found whatever shade they could. We had hot days before but this was different. There was an intensity none had seen before.”
“How hot was it, Poppy?” asked five.
“It was so hot, we had to light the fireplace to cool the house down.”
Five pondered a thought for a short time, “I don’t believe you. If it was that hot everything would burn up.”
Poppy smiled, “It did. We had to move.”
“Where?”
“To the Earth. After the sun was lit, it was too hot to stay.”
Schools and students have permission to use this graphic for non-commercial, educational purposes.
Ross's Writing Blog 
Viki
April 12, 2013 at 12:23
I had to laugh at the “how hot was it” before realizing it wasn’t a joke, ha!! Cute little story.
Ross Mannell
April 13, 2013 at 19:04
Thanks for the comment.
My real summer of 74 wasn’t that remarkable so I thought I’d look for a different story idea. 🙂
cjschlottman
April 13, 2013 at 06:16
This little story with a twist is great and what Viki said!
Ross Mannell
April 13, 2013 at 19:06
Thanks for the comment.
I had started with the first paragraph and wondered where to go from there until I remembered an uncle who love telling quirky little stories when I was young. 🙂
cj schlottman
April 13, 2013 at 06:18
Love this little story with a big twist. You have a way with words.
Ross Mannell
April 13, 2013 at 19:10
Thanks for the comment.
I liked the idea of a young, logical child challenging a story not making sense only to be left wondering. 🙂
Jenny Matlock
April 20, 2013 at 06:06
Wait!
At first I thought it was literal.
And then I thought it was sci-fi.
And then.
Well then.
I wasn’t totally sure.
But whatever it is, it is wonderful!
Ross Mannell
May 17, 2013 at 13:34
Thanks for the comment.
The photo is of a model farmhouse and the theme was a little sci-fi. My actual summer of ’74 was more involved with university studies and wasn’t quite so interesting. Really though I think Poppy liked to embellish his stories. 🙂