I wrote this story several years ago, intending to publish it in one of Fanderson's 'Fanzines', but unfortunately they stopped printing them - didn't have enough submissions. They should have put it on the web!

I've only just worked up the confidence to publish it on the internet as I've only had reviews from people who know me, so please review, but be kind.

And of course - red tape time - I don't own anyone or anything seen on Thunderbirds, but everything else is mine.

Thanks.

FAB

Purupuss

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*NEWSPAPER*

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Daily Tribune
24 AUGUST 2063 $13.00
120 MADE REDUNDANT AT FACTORY
DOWNTURN IN ECONOMY BLAMED

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Mitch Mountain stared at the headline.

"I don't believe it." He groaned. "Eleven years I've worked at that factory, and what does it all mean? Nothing! I've got a wife and a child to support, and what do the bureaucrats care about that? Not a thing!" He threw the paper onto the floor.

His wife Teresa picked up the paper and looked at it. "I know it's hard on you, it just means that we are going to have to tighten our purse strings for a while, but we will survive, we can make it. You're intelligent and a quick learner and I could go back to work..."

"NO!" was Mitch's emphatic response. "I promised you when we married that you wouldn't have to work, and I'm going to keep that promise."

"It would only be until you find work again, and besides, there's no shame in the women in the household earning the pay-cheque nowadays, and there is a big demand for the skills I have."

Mitch rounded on her "I said NO."

Teresa's temper flared. "Don't you come the 'big guy' with me. All that macho stuff went out decades ago. Our marriage is a contract, remember, we're equal partners. We both have an interest in our welfare and Cassie's."

"It's because of Cassie I have to get a job." Mitch's voice had reached full volume. "I'm not about to let our daughter think that her dad is useless."


Five year old Cassie sat on the back stairs, tears streaming down her face. She hugged her teddy bear. "It's my fault 'Everest'." She whispered. "I made Daddy and Mummy fight. If I wasn't here everything would be okay." She wiped her eyes and resolutely stood up. "Come on Everest" she said. "We'll leave and it will be all right, Mummy and Daddy will be friends again." She wandered off down the path.


Inside Mitch had calmed down. "I'm sorry Honey," he said, "I guess I've over-reacted. You never know this may be a blessing in disguise. If I do some extra study maybe I can land a better job!"

Teresa gave him an affectionate hug. "That's more like it" she assured him "I know these past few days have been tough, but we're tough too. We will survive." She gave him another squeeze. "Tell you what, the three of us should go for a walk in the park. It's a beautiful day and it will help to blow the cobwebs away. You pack some cold drinks and I'll go get Cassie ready." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and left the room.

Mitch was actually humming a happy tune to himself when Teresa returned, a worried frown creasing her forehead. "Have you seen Cassie?" She asked.