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101 Word Short Stories

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Arsenal’s Main Man

April 23, 2024 9 Comments

By Jules Turland

“Grandad, why won’t you play?”

His football bouncing on the floor, Mark cannot understand why he gets no answer. Grandad played for the Arsenal back in the day; he was their best man and won the FA Cup.

“Show me the tricks you learnt because when I am older, I want to be Arsenal’s key man. Dad supports the city. What does he know? Grandad, you are the best. Please come and play.”

“Hush now, child. Let him rest,” Mum shoos him away.

One month later, sobs fill the air. Dressed in black, he cannot understand why Grandad has gone away.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chadd Lin says

    April 23, 2024 at 6:50 am

    Heart breaking to be left without a gift

    Reply
    • julie turland says

      April 23, 2024 at 3:48 pm

      He didn’t understand what had happened x

      Reply
  2. Ramona Taylor says

    April 23, 2024 at 2:58 pm

    I liked that you began with dialogue, liked your use of dialogue. To tell a story in 101words is difficult, but you did it well. Enjoyed this tale.

    Reply
    • julie turland says

      April 23, 2024 at 3:47 pm

      Thank you so much. I am fairly new to writing and learning all the time. I am just over the moon that 101 Words like it and are featuring it x

      Reply
      • Angela Huskisson says

        April 23, 2024 at 6:21 pm

        Bitter sweet, poignant and beautiful. Touches at the heart. Thank you.

        Reply
        • julie turland says

          April 24, 2024 at 3:56 am

          Thanks Angela I really appreciate your kind words. As a new writer I am learning all the time and to have a piece of work published I am just so happy x

          Reply
  3. julie turland says

    April 24, 2024 at 5:06 am

    Thanks Angela I really appreciate your kind words. As a new writer I am learning all the time and to have a piece of work published I am just so happy x

    Reply
  4. Mary Daurio says

    April 27, 2024 at 8:47 am

    Sad but poignant story. Makes the reader feel the emotions. Great use of dialogue.

    Reply
    • julie turland says

      April 27, 2024 at 8:50 am

      Thank you so much for this x

      Reply

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