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101 Word Short Stories

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A Listening Ear

December 4, 2024 10 Comments

By Lori Cramer

No one ever listens to Hayley.

Every day at work, she keeps trying to strike up conversations with her co-workers, but regardless of whether she talks about last night’s ballgame, today’s stock prices, or tomorrow’s weather forecast, nobody pays any attention to her. Hayley fears she’ll never find a listening ear—until one afternoon, on her way out of the building, she encounters Gretchen, whose office is on the first floor.

Gretchen is the ideal listener. She maintains eye contact, asks follow-up questions, and even takes notes. Hayley’s only gripe about her new confidant: Gretchen insists on being paid in cash.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rosemary Johnson says

    December 4, 2024 at 7:22 am

    Oh dear! I know the feeling. Where do I find someone to hire to listen to me?

    Reply
    • Tracie Adams says

      December 4, 2024 at 7:47 am

      Definitely didn’t see that ending coming before it ran right through me! I love this story! Congratulations.

      Reply
      • Lori says

        December 4, 2024 at 3:11 pm

        Thank you, Tracie!

        Reply
    • Lori says

      December 4, 2024 at 3:09 pm

      Thanks for reading, Rosemary!

      Reply
  2. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    December 4, 2024 at 8:36 am

    Poor Hayley. You’d think a listening ear would come without a price tag – if nothing else.

    A great way to conclude a nice piece of writing 🙂

    Reply
    • Lori says

      December 4, 2024 at 3:10 pm

      Thanks so much, Kelly!

      Reply
  3. Ed Kratz says

    December 4, 2024 at 3:59 pm

    Well done. Loved the dark ending. Really worked.

    Reply
    • Lori says

      December 4, 2024 at 4:55 pm

      Thanks, Ed!

      Reply
  4. Pamela Cartlidge says

    December 5, 2024 at 4:54 am

    I’m guessing the listener sells food or books? Great story.

    Reply
    • Lori says

      December 5, 2024 at 11:24 am

      Thanks for reading, Pamela!

      Reply

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