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101 Word Short Stories

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Amber’s Embers

September 14, 2021 22 Comments

By Hallie Ranta

Camp was a sanctuary. Escaping the imprisonment of infusion, we found solace among our fellow cancer fighters.

Amber and I spent hours on the lake, watching blackbirds and breathing in the scent of pinecones.

“Let’s stay here forever.”

But the reprieve was soon over and so too was Amber’s struggle.

“Do me one favor,” she whispered. “Bring me back.”

Wiping away tears, I empty the canister into the campfire. Tendrils of smoke slowly form a familiar-looking figure, her eyes sparkling.

“The camp’s haunted,” newcomers gasp as a lyrical breeze rustles the trees.

“No,” I laugh, catching a falling pinecone. “It’s alive.”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jim Watkins says

    September 14, 2021 at 7:18 am

    I Really, REALLY, enjoyed this read. Moving, thank you.

    Reply
    • Hallie says

      September 14, 2021 at 9:28 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  2. Coco says

    September 14, 2021 at 8:56 am

    Beautifully done!

    Reply
    • Hallie says

      September 14, 2021 at 9:29 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Paul Lewthwaite says

    September 14, 2021 at 5:19 pm

    Great story, vivid scene making in a few words. Poignant, yet joyous and a nice hint of the supernatural. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hallie says

      September 14, 2021 at 6:58 pm

      Appreciate the read and comments!

      Reply
  4. M says

    September 14, 2021 at 5:59 pm

    A beautifully written story that tugs at the heartstrings

    Reply
    • Hallie says

      September 14, 2021 at 6:59 pm

      Thank you <3

      Reply
  5. Amanda Barusch says

    September 14, 2021 at 11:06 pm

    Yes! What a lovely interpretation of childhood loss and the solace of nature.
    Thanks Hallie!

    Reply
    • Hallie says

      September 14, 2021 at 11:24 pm

      Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  6. Laura Besley says

    September 15, 2021 at 12:58 am

    Nicely done, Hallie!

    Reply
  7. Valli says

    September 15, 2021 at 5:47 am

    Very emotional read with an optimistic ending… well done…

    Reply
  8. Nina says

    September 15, 2021 at 7:47 am

    This is so beautiful! I love the imagery and the hope it evokes.

    Reply
  9. Mary A Gorman says

    September 15, 2021 at 8:33 am

    Excellent descriptive writing evoking a sense of being there with you. Keep on writing

    Reply
  10. Ruth Mannino says

    September 15, 2021 at 8:40 am

    Indeed a great story! An optimistic take on a sad subject.

    Reply
  11. Hallie says

    September 15, 2021 at 8:53 am

    Thank you everyone for the comments, glad you enjoyed!

    Reply
  12. dlherrmann says

    September 15, 2021 at 11:53 am

    I’ve made A LOT of campfires, but never thought of smoke doing that!!!

    Reply
    • Hallie says

      September 15, 2021 at 2:53 pm

      But did you ever add in someone’s ashes? 😉

      Reply
  13. Liz Falkner says

    September 17, 2021 at 2:46 am

    Superb

    Reply
    • Hallie says

      September 20, 2021 at 10:10 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  14. Susan Triemert says

    September 18, 2021 at 10:00 am

    This is stunning! Congrats!

    Reply
    • Hallie says

      September 20, 2021 at 10:11 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply

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