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101 Word Short Stories

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Bipedal

January 1, 2024 5 Comments

By Dave Rees

“Me try, Daddy,” she squeaked, pawing him away whilst tottering on her roller skates.

Ten years later:

“Drop me here, Dad,” she sulked, slipping from the car two streets from school.

Ten years later:

“I can manage 500 yards—don’t be a dinosaur, Dad,” she snapped, jabbing the hang-up button, strutting into the twilight.

Ten years later:

“It’s a long aisle, Dad—use my arm for support, OK?” she trembled as they silently finished writing her wedding invitations together.

Ten years later:

“Come get me, Dad,” she whispered to the faded photograph, her tears rolling over bruises stamped on her cheekbones.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tim Goldstone says

    January 1, 2024 at 7:45 am

    Sadly brilliant.

    Reply
  2. Anne-Marie says

    January 1, 2024 at 2:52 pm

    ouch that hurt where it feels the most… glad she had her dad to help her through it all.

    Reply
    • Dave Rees says

      January 1, 2024 at 6:21 pm

      Her father had passed away. We spend lots of our life wanting independence from parents and only appreciate them fully when they’re gone.

      Reply
  3. Anne Jones says

    January 4, 2024 at 1:57 am

    So touching and well delivered.

    Reply
  4. Bud says

    January 4, 2024 at 1:51 pm

    Very sad story told very well.

    Reply

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