By Thomas O'Connell
Paul stood on the porch, unable to knock. He decided to try the side door.
They’d waited for a night when Steven had gone to a friend’s. She and Paul had agreed it was probably best for Steven not to see his parents having dinner together. It would be unfair to think he wouldn’t get his hopes up.
Karen spotted Paul from the window that overlooked their driveway. She paused before meeting him at the kitchen door. He stood timid as a paperboy waiting to collect his payment; the only difference being Karen owed him nothing—she asked him in anyway.
Ok, maybe it’s just the way-too-sad music I have on at the mo, but the hope resent here almost had me in tears. Strong piece.
the hope PRESENT here, that should say.
i can relate to the way-too-sad music, there was probably some playing while i wrote this –
i think this resolves on a major chord though, i am hopeful for them…
Huge story for 101 words.
thank you Dave
Nice character development in a teeny space. Impressive story!
thanks, JL –
i enjoyed your story At What Cost? as well – and helpful to know what the cure for the inner critic is…
So much said in so few words. Very well done!
thanks Barb, it started as 650+ words, whittling away to get it to fit here was a (actually enjoyable) challenge
So much in the word “anyway”! It’s understated, simply put, yet so powerful. Beautiful story.
thanks, Smila- who knew that one word could be so weighty
Liked this very much. Family life is complex.
amen to that…
Very nice complex story simply told
thank you, hoping their meal was mindful…