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101 Word Short Stories

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Comeback Kid

December 1, 2021 5 Comments

By Coco Jane

“Hi, Millie,” said Dr. Deens. “No appetite lately, huh?”

“Looking at Colleen’s empty crib, I’m just not hungry. I can barely look after the house, Sam, or myself.” Her hand covered a gravy stain on her dress. “Why bother eating? I throw it up anyway.”

She thought, Why bother even living? but kept that to herself—for now.

After the exam, Doc offered his hand. “Congratulations, Millie. You’re eight weeks pregnant.”

Millie drove home slowly. The house looked strangely different. Homey. She lifted Sam’s rumpled sweatshirt off the couch and placed it into the hamper.

She fixed herself a ham sandwich.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Helen C says

    December 1, 2021 at 7:12 am

    A difficult subject well-handled and I loved the positive ending!

    Reply
  2. Meghashri Dalvi says

    December 1, 2021 at 9:41 am

    Excellent writing in so few words! Apt title.

    Reply
  3. MiKayla says

    December 1, 2021 at 12:14 pm

    Sunshine after the rain. While tragic, it is a beautiful message of healing.

    Reply
  4. Coco says

    December 1, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    Thanks, all, for your support!

    Millie was my grandmother. The new baby she carried was my dad.

    Reply
  5. Valli Henry-Boldini says

    December 2, 2021 at 6:56 am

    What a lovely story… well written with vivid imagery and emotions… well done…

    Reply

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