Idle afternoon
OOC: Ficlet inspired by this photo.
Growing up in Ireland, Murphy and his twin found many ways to entertain themselves when left to their own devices. Each manner involved a small, or nonexistant amount of toys. The MacManus boys much preferred playing outside as opposed to remaining confined within the walls of their tiny house and today they had taken full advantage of their surroundings.
As their mother had left hours before to visit her sister for the day, Murphy and Connor knew that they should enjoy their freedom while it lasted. They could get as dirty as possible, clean up, and rest in bed like two little angels before Ma stumbled into the house in a drunken stupor late into the evenening.
By now the late morning sun had risen to its highest point in the clear blue sky. Beams of yellow light streaked through trees which surrounded one of Murphy's favorite playgrounds: a creek which was a mere half an hour walk for an energetic eight year old. As soon as the creek was in sight, Murphy tore away from his brother and sprinted toward the rippling waters.
When he reached the water's edge he took a running leap and planted both feet squarely in the mud as he landed. Alternately kicking up both legs while his arms flailed with glee, Murphy splashed happily by himself before Connor joined him at his side, also splashing.
As Connor splashed on his own, Murphy grinned and bent at the waist, grabbing a handful of mud. Standing up again he raised his arm and aimed the mud at his brother. Then deciding that it would be much more fun to get himself dirty, Murph changed his plan and smacked himself square in the face with the mud. Giggling madly he ran to Connor and pointed at what he had done. "Look! I'm th' mud man!" he exclaimed with bright eyes shining amid thick streaks of brown.
Laughing at his brother's actions Connor replied, "Murph, yer so stupid!" between giggles. He then picked up his own glob and threw it at Murphy, starting a war that would end only when both parties grew cranky and hungry for their daily lunch.
Growing up in Ireland, Murphy and his twin found many ways to entertain themselves when left to their own devices. Each manner involved a small, or nonexistant amount of toys. The MacManus boys much preferred playing outside as opposed to remaining confined within the walls of their tiny house and today they had taken full advantage of their surroundings.
As their mother had left hours before to visit her sister for the day, Murphy and Connor knew that they should enjoy their freedom while it lasted. They could get as dirty as possible, clean up, and rest in bed like two little angels before Ma stumbled into the house in a drunken stupor late into the evenening.
By now the late morning sun had risen to its highest point in the clear blue sky. Beams of yellow light streaked through trees which surrounded one of Murphy's favorite playgrounds: a creek which was a mere half an hour walk for an energetic eight year old. As soon as the creek was in sight, Murphy tore away from his brother and sprinted toward the rippling waters.
When he reached the water's edge he took a running leap and planted both feet squarely in the mud as he landed. Alternately kicking up both legs while his arms flailed with glee, Murphy splashed happily by himself before Connor joined him at his side, also splashing.
As Connor splashed on his own, Murphy grinned and bent at the waist, grabbing a handful of mud. Standing up again he raised his arm and aimed the mud at his brother. Then deciding that it would be much more fun to get himself dirty, Murph changed his plan and smacked himself square in the face with the mud. Giggling madly he ran to Connor and pointed at what he had done. "Look! I'm th' mud man!" he exclaimed with bright eyes shining amid thick streaks of brown.
Laughing at his brother's actions Connor replied, "Murph, yer so stupid!" between giggles. He then picked up his own glob and threw it at Murphy, starting a war that would end only when both parties grew cranky and hungry for their daily lunch.