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101 Word Short Stories

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Dread

February 9, 2022 21 Comments

By Rachel Newcombe

Black Converse sneakers. Your first pair. We buy them at Tip-Top Shoes. We hold hands walking up Broadway, pass Happy Burger on 77th Street, share a frozen lemonade at the Starbucks on 86th. You grimace, yell, “Brain freeze!” Laugh and drink more. We swim at the public pool on 110th. Both of us are a teeny bit sunburnt. Tired, we catch the M104 bus home. You love your new sneakers. It’s a perfect New York City day.

Tonight your dad and I will tell you we are separating. This day will always be your before. Tomorrow will always be your after.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Helen C says

    February 9, 2022 at 7:03 am

    The moment I read Black Converse Sneakers I thought of my daughter. Brilliant story and great use of second person.

    Reply
    • Scott Brian Blanke says

      February 9, 2022 at 8:03 am

      Dry strong 101 words. Especially the ending.

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        February 9, 2022 at 9:26 am

        Thank you for reading, Scott.

        Reply
      • Rachel says

        April 2, 2022 at 9:04 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
  2. Meg says

    February 9, 2022 at 8:12 am

    Brilliant.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      February 9, 2022 at 9:19 am

      Much thanks for reading.

      Reply
  3. Nina says

    February 9, 2022 at 8:49 am

    Powerful. That ending bringing in so much emotion to the day spent together .

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      February 9, 2022 at 9:20 am

      I so appreciate you reading my story. Thanks.

      Reply
  4. Rachel says

    February 9, 2022 at 10:53 am

    Thanks Meg.?

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      February 9, 2022 at 10:54 am

      Oops. A question marl slipped in.

      Reply
  5. Alastair says

    February 9, 2022 at 5:06 pm

    Strong and well written. A great read! 🙂

    Reply
  6. M says

    February 9, 2022 at 5:27 pm

    Beautifully written, Rachel. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to read it.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      February 9, 2022 at 9:33 pm

      Thank you for reading my story.

      Reply
  7. Rachel Newcombe says

    February 9, 2022 at 6:57 pm

    : ) Thanks.

    Reply
  8. Liz says

    February 10, 2022 at 2:39 am

    So, so sad .
    He’ll hate his Converse s for ever.

    Reply
  9. Tim Goldstone says

    February 10, 2022 at 6:17 am

    Perfect, sublime writing.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      April 2, 2022 at 9:05 am

      Thank you for reading, Tim.

      Reply
  10. Michele says

    February 13, 2022 at 3:40 pm

    Felt so sad at the end, truly shows how well you built up the story….

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      April 2, 2022 at 9:05 am

      So appreciate you reading my story. Thank you.

      Reply
  11. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    February 14, 2022 at 10:26 am

    Touching. A strong example of the harshness of reality for youngsters.

    Reply
  12. Rachel says

    April 2, 2022 at 9:06 am

    Exactly. ?

    Reply

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