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101 Word Short Stories

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Escape

July 31, 2026 3 Comments

By Gregory Ballinger

Three taps echoed in the dark room and the door slid open.

The sound of a gurgle came from within.

“It’s time.”

A woman huddled in rags stepped out, shielding her baby.

“The ship’s waiting.”

Phobos and Deimos beamed down, casting long shadows to hide in.

An explosion rang out, followed by three more.

An alarm screamed.

So did the baby.

“Hurry.”

A taut wind ripped through the landing field, cloaking them in dust.

In the cramped escape-pod, rations had been provisioned.

“Good luck.”

The door closed, and the pod fizzed away towards the blue half-sphere set against the watching universe.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jacqueline says

    August 5, 2026 at 7:35 am

    Wow! The way you expanded the story just by mentioning the moons! Well done!

    Reply
  2. Bud Pharo says

    August 5, 2026 at 8:33 am

    Powerful imagery. Nicely done!

    Reply
  3. Ranabrata Ray says

    August 6, 2026 at 1:03 am

    For me, thought provoking . Lots of ideas are coming to my mind about the socio-economic conditions of the mother.

    Reply

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