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101 Word Short Stories

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False Heart

July 21, 2024 7 Comments

By Dan Graves

After he reread Irene’s note yet again, Todd needed air.

In the park, he saw her, oblivious to all—smooching a new lover, who pawed inside her blouse.

Todd walked away unseen.

Throat dry, he reentered the hell that until last week had been their home. Dirty dishes littered the kitchen, accusing him of negligence. Shoulders slumping, he pulled a gallon jug from the fridge and groped deep within the cupboard for the last clean mug. One glance and he smashed it on the edge of the sink. Mockingly, its large, heart-shaped etching landed atop the shards: “Todd & Irene forever.”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bud says

    July 24, 2024 at 10:31 am

    Clever ending to a sad story very well told.

    Reply
    • Dan Graves says

      July 24, 2024 at 7:50 pm

      thank you

      Reply
  2. Ramona Taylor says

    July 24, 2024 at 11:21 am

    Excellent story telling

    Reply
    • Dan Graves says

      July 24, 2024 at 7:50 pm

      appreciate the appreciation!

      Reply
  3. Ilona Rapin says

    July 25, 2024 at 10:41 am

    Very good – Excellent story.

    Reply
  4. Charlotte Bennardo says

    July 25, 2024 at 5:50 pm

    Ah, the pain.

    Reply
  5. Ed Kratz says

    July 27, 2024 at 9:24 pm

    Well done. Sad, and moving ending.

    Reply

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