Prompt: There’s a family where the family business is clowning - professionally. So, what kind of unusual family business or work environment can you think of that has crossed your path? Something that might be an out of the ordinary world to set a story in.
I was torn between a family of resurrectionists: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_snatching or something from this list: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/top-weird-and-interesting-jobs-2060110 this almost became a scene about a family of nail polish namers… maybe next time
[EDITH and ELLEN enter the kitchen in mid whisper argument. SYDNEY is by the oven, watching the roast - uninterested in this conversation]
EDITH
What if they never learn! How will they survive?
ELLEN
Now, there are plenty of people that don’t know how that live full and successful lives.
EDITH
Not in our family! We’ve all been riding bikes since we were old enough to walk. Sydney knew how to ride before she spoke her first word!
ELLEN
That can’t be true.
SYDNEY
That’s what I’m told.
ELLEN
Edith, honey, please, be reasonable.
EDITH
Ellen, our child can’t ride a bike. I think my fears are perfectly reasonable.
ELLEN
I didn’t know how to ride a bike at five, it doesn’t mean I didn’t learn how.
EDITH
I didn’t know that about you.
ELLEN
Well, I didn’t realize it was such a big deal.
SYDNEY
Is there a reason you are having this conversation here, in my kitchen? This really feels like an at home topic.
EDITH
Dad asked me how Glen’s riding is going. I didn’t know what to say. Sydney, when did Heidi get her training wheels off.
SYDNEY
I don’t know, like a year ago?
EDITH
And she’s a year younger than Glen! What are we doing wrong?
ELLEN
We’re not doing anything wrong. He’s learning at his own pace!
EDITH
I’m just worried.
SYDNEY
Can you, like, maybe worry in the dining room? With the family? Silently? Because, again, feels like a home conversation. That isn’t going to resolve itself before the roast comes out…
ELLEN
Don’t you think that maybe Sydney has a point and we can worry if Glen will end the family dynasty another time?