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101 Word Short Stories

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Coke on a Wednesday

May 26, 2024 8 Comments

By Christy Hartman

Mom and Dad giggled and gave me a whipped cream moustache while making pancakes this morning. They were not arguing and my stomach didn’t ache. I ate three.

Now we’re at Gino’s Pizza. My favourite. They get me a Coke. I’m suspicious; fizzy drinks are for Christmas and birthdays.

A surprise for me? I hope it’s a baby sister.

“Remember, we love you to the moon.” Soda sparkles in my glass.

“Nothing will change.” Tiny explosions dance around my straw.

“Daddy will have his own apartment where you can stay sometimes.” Mom smiles. “And we’ll all be happier.”

Bubbles burn my tongue.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kevin says

    May 26, 2024 at 8:16 am

    An all to familiar story, well told. Kudos.

    Reply
  2. Mary says

    May 26, 2024 at 10:27 am

    Sadly a familiar story so well written x

    Reply
  3. Melanie Mulrooney says

    May 26, 2024 at 3:13 pm

    Fabulous job, Christy. The build here was perfection. Love that final line.

    Reply
  4. K F Lerner says

    May 29, 2024 at 9:19 am

    I loved “Tiny explosions dance around my straw.”

    Reply
  5. Siri says

    May 29, 2024 at 10:47 am

    Sometimes such a heartbreaking thing is best for everyone.

    Reply
  6. Marie says

    May 29, 2024 at 1:50 pm

    So much said in so few words, well done!

    Reply
  7. Elizabeth says

    May 30, 2024 at 10:33 am

    Well done! Can feel the pain.

    Reply
  8. dan says

    May 30, 2024 at 8:23 pm

    They weren’t arguing—and maybe now they won’t anymore.

    Reply

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