101 Word Short Stories
By Virginia Amis
The phone rang. My husband sighed. “Hey, Dad. What’s up?” There were no doctors’ appointments, no pharmacy runs. Their community fed them and offered activities. Alzheimer’s did not care. “What? Your car fob battery died? Someone took it apart? Read me the number.” He held the phone away from his ear. I heard “washing machine”…
By Melanie Barrow
“Keep the noise down, I’m writing,” John declared imperiously positioning his gold-tipped Parker. ‘Va Pensiero’ was playing on Classic FM. ‘Hebrew Slaves.’ How appropriate, Cheryl thought, hanging the washing on the line. She breathed in the outdoors. Citrus fragrance from mock orange mixed with the heady smell of honeysuckle. The sound of sparrows squabbling, inharmonious…
By Ryker Hayes
I’m a normal person. I have an apartment, I’m a librarian, and I go out Friday nights. I can’t keep a boyfriend though. It starts out nice. We flirt, have dinner. We go steady for a few weeks and he leaves. Could it be my doll collection? Lots of people collect things! It’s not like…
By Phil Temples
Bubba and his wife clear customs then they depart Tel Aviv’s international airport with their heavy suitcases in tow. It’s been the couple’s dream to visit the Holy Land ever since they were married. Before catching a tour bus to Jerusalem, Bubba decides they will hail a taxi and head to a nearby shopping district…
By Virginia Amis
The girl collapsed on the soft earth between the bumpy roots of the oak tree. Smoky haze choked her lungs. Around her, branches crashed to the ground, sending out sparks like fireflies. “I’m here,” she said, watching flames draw nearer to the initials she and Papa had carved into the trunk before he died. Voices…
“Madam, you’re only eligible for level three support. Please step aside.” “But please. I’m starving!” “Please move or I’ll call security. Read the guidelines. Remaining sustenance is being prioritised for level ones. Families.” Maria pictured her mother’s stash of bottled water, tins, and freeze-dried meals. She remembered how she’d constantly admonished her, refused her ‘ridiculous’…
By Old Brid Kid
The sudden gale hurled us towards land. Our charts showed an inlet where we could moor until the night seas calmed. We tied up our yacht and the six of us clambered ashore. We could just make each other out, our bright orange waterproofs and Sou’westers reflecting the minimal illumination. We trudged towards the village…
