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101 Word Short Stories

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Band-Aids

November 28, 2025 7 Comments

By Kerri McCourt

Michael comes in from the sandbox, popsicle-stained fingers brushing sand off his bare, sun-kissed legs.

Sand sticks to the edges of a Band-Aid on his scraped knee.

He gazes out the window at the driveway.

“When is Daddy coming home?”

My husband used to pick Michael up from preschool and be there to tuck him into bed every night. Since we separated, that’s no longer always the case.

“He’s coming to visit you right after dinner.”

Michael looks up with pleading eyes. “Then let’s eat now.”

I distract him with play and another popsicle; Band-Aids over his scraped and longing heart.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shoshauna says

    November 28, 2025 at 9:54 am

    This kills me. Well-done!

    Reply
  2. Kathy Carroll says

    November 28, 2025 at 11:09 am

    Such real and poignant imagery in your heartbreaking story. Wonderful characterization!

    Reply
  3. Julia says

    December 2, 2025 at 5:30 pm

    Ouch. Very sad. Nicely done

    Reply
  4. K F Lerner says

    December 3, 2025 at 10:03 am

    Detailed and gentle. You don’t overplay your hand. Well done.

    Reply
  5. Lisa says

    December 3, 2025 at 12:21 pm

    Nicely done. Very clever.

    Reply
  6. Marie says

    December 3, 2025 at 7:58 pm

    Well done! I really like this line “Sand sticks to the edges of a Band-Aid on his scraped knee.” I could see the image in my mind right away.

    Reply
  7. Ramona Taylor says

    December 3, 2025 at 10:49 pm

    You really knew how to bring Michael to life,how he looks, what he does, just what a toddler would say. Well done!

    Reply

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