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101 Word Short Stories

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Adopted Nature

August 16, 2023 11 Comments

By Mollie B. Rodgers

I learned I had a brother because they found his skin cells under a hitchhiker’s nails.

Detective Hanson balances on the edge of my couch, strangling a coffee mug. “Your DNA seemed to match,” he mumbles.

I smile and gently absolve him of the weeks of accusations and harassment. “I’m just grateful you could give those families closure.”

He loosens his grip. “Must have been strange seeing him in the morgue.”

“Like looking in a mirror.”

I sip my tea, thinking of the cabin the officers never uncovered, my unsavory proclivities. It appears both my twin and I are Mr. Hydes.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David says

    August 16, 2023 at 3:12 am

    Great first line and doesn’t disappoint thereafter. A brilliant piece of microfiction. Big story condensed to a few words.

    Reply
  2. Indi says

    August 16, 2023 at 7:12 am

    Excellent! Gripping first line that sucks you in.

    Reply
  3. HelenZ says

    August 16, 2023 at 7:55 am

    wow – really good! I love the first line and the last paragraph is perfect.

    Reply
  4. Mary says

    August 16, 2023 at 10:32 am

    The image of the main character calmly sipping his tea while thinking about his cabin is chilling. Excellent work,

    Reply
  5. Bud says

    August 16, 2023 at 12:38 pm

    Dark, but good.

    Reply
  6. Liz says

    August 17, 2023 at 5:41 am

    Gripping story in so few, excellently written words.
    Another one, please.

    Reply
  7. Ekta R. Garg says

    August 17, 2023 at 11:33 am

    This one’s truly creepy. Good job!

    Reply
  8. Sandra L. Todd says

    August 20, 2023 at 8:55 pm

    Hits a nerve, then tweaks it well. Thank you!

    Reply
  9. Leanne says

    August 21, 2023 at 9:08 pm

    Absolutely love this piece!

    Reply
  10. Lisa Rubio says

    August 22, 2023 at 1:05 pm

    Very impressive writing.

    Reply
  11. Pamela Cartlidge says

    September 1, 2023 at 5:58 am

    Spooky. Good writing. I enjoyed it.

    Reply

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