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101 Word Short Stories

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Cashless Eternity

October 19, 2020 9 Comments

By J. David Thayer

When the soul met Charon at the River Styx, the ferryman expected payment. But many things had changed in the world of mortals. Instead of coins staking his eyelids, the soul carried a Visa gift card. Its balance was substantially higher than the customary fare, and so his mourners flattered themselves for their own generosity. But Charon had no account for receiving transferred funds. The soul offered the ferryman Venmo and Paypal as alternatives, but the problem remained.

And so the soul yet wanders the near shore of Styx, ever in limbo, praying for the day Charon acquires a chip reader.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bob Ellis says

    October 19, 2020 at 8:40 am

    As a classically-educated person who works in fintech, I loved this reimagining of the crossing. Great job.

    Reply
  2. Scott Brian Blanke says

    October 19, 2020 at 8:46 am

    I have read a short story of Hell updated. This fits right in. Great!

    Reply
  3. Cathy Cade says

    October 19, 2020 at 9:58 am

    Love the concept. I’m sure there’s a story in that somewhere.

    Reply
  4. Albert N. Katz says

    October 19, 2020 at 10:51 am

    a fun read

    Reply
  5. Liz Falkner says

    October 20, 2020 at 2:22 am

    Brilliant!

    Reply
  6. rena says

    October 20, 2020 at 9:20 am

    love it!

    Reply
  7. Linda Casper says

    October 21, 2020 at 6:57 am

    Great short read

    Reply
  8. Carl "Papa" Palmer says

    October 21, 2020 at 1:04 pm

    Very clever, humorous

    Reply
  9. Liz says

    November 29, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    Hah! Nice 🙂

    Reply

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