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101 Word Short Stories

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A Skeleton in the Library

September 29, 2023 11 Comments

By David Higham

“Welcome,” said the skeleton librarian.

“Thank you,” I said, “will you tell me about this library, please?”

“You know how often libraries get burned as an act of conquest by an invader? We undead librarians have fixed this. Before the invaders arrive, we rescue as many valuable manuscripts as we can.”

“For example?”

“Would you like to see Homer’s manuscript or the first written Qur’an?”

“I never thought I would see such things in my lifetime!”

“You didn’t,” said the skeleton, “but your love of literature means you have been elected to join us.”

I put out a surprisingly bony hand.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rita Riebel Mitchell says

    September 29, 2023 at 12:10 pm

    Cute story, David. The ending surprised me. ??

    Reply
    • Rita Riebel Mitchell says

      September 29, 2023 at 12:12 pm

      ?? Were a thumbs-up emoticon.

      Reply
      • David Higham says

        September 29, 2023 at 1:32 pm

        Thank you, I am pleased to have surprised you!

        Reply
  2. Liz says

    October 1, 2023 at 1:16 am

    Love it.

    Reply
  3. Liz says

    October 1, 2023 at 10:25 pm

    nice! A library afterlife, yes please!

    Reply
  4. Lisa H. Owens says

    October 4, 2023 at 10:02 am

    Aw, sweet story. Who doesn’t love a skeleton librarian?

    Reply
  5. Alan Moskowitz says

    October 4, 2023 at 1:54 pm

    Wouldn’t it be nice if it were true? And after reading your great story I’m hoping it is.

    Reply
  6. Pamela Cartlidge says

    October 4, 2023 at 2:16 pm

    Scarey. Well done.

    Reply
    • David Higham says

      October 5, 2023 at 3:23 am

      Thankyou everyone for your kind comments.

      Reply
  7. Jenny Dunbar says

    October 5, 2023 at 4:08 pm

    Neat piece

    Reply
  8. Michele Cacano says

    October 12, 2023 at 2:58 am

    Aw, I love it!

    Reply

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