Brad was an explorer born six centuries too late. He’d known this from childhood, staging naval battles in the bathtub. Trading pinecones and beads with his action figures. But at forty-six there were no new worlds to conquer, save the mysterious space where paper jammed in the office copier. So Brad set out in his dingy boat, looking for a land to call his own.
Just four hours later, he found an unfamiliar isle and turned ashore. Sand and gravel crunched under his hull. If Meredith could see me now, he thought. Bitch.
Out here there was nothing to prove, no clock-in hours or refrigerator politics. Just salt and spray and squawking gulls. And a family of four picnicking on the island’s other side. No gold here.
He picked a fresh course; the Isle of Brad lay somewhere else, but he would find it. Rest assured. As soon as he resupplied his cooler bag with more Pepsi and bologna. The adventurer’s life was hungry work.
[166 words]
This post was written in response to this week’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers Challenge!
The photo prompt was provided by Louise with The Storyteller’s Abode. Thank you Louise!
You can read other stories inspired by this prompt here.
The Wordsy 
I don’t doubt he’ll find it one day. Sweet story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A modern day Don Quixote – lite! I like it. Cheers
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed this. Naval battles in the bath tub – classic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deep stuff: aren’t we all looking for our own Isle of Brad? I hope Brad finds his — and before he runs out of Pepsi and bologna. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope he finds the Isle of Brad and has plenty of Pepsi and Bologna when he does! Office politics can make anyone run away for a land of their own! Great story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this story. And I fully understand the unknown space in the printer. I’ve wonder many times myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
…As a man in his forties who’s recently quit I.T I welcome news of the island’s location!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A sweet whimsical tale. Nicely written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Chase after your dreams Brad. Great story.
LikeLiked by 1 person