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101 Word Short Stories

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Favourites

October 15, 2023 4 Comments

By Chelsea Allen

I watch as our five-year-old picks up daisies for you from the garden, because they are your favourites, she believes. Gently plucking them from their stems—a way she has decided neither the flower nor the stem is hurt.

“Here, Mum, these are your favourites.”

“Were, Daisy.”

She doesn’t look up from your headstone. I curse myself.

“No, Dad,” she says firmly, her voice thick with tears. “Are!”

I bend down and hug her so she doesn’t see me crying. I don’t tell her it hurts the worst when you pluck it gently. You think you’re prepared, but you never are.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bud says

    October 18, 2023 at 2:43 pm

    Heartbreaking story very well told.

    Reply
    • Chelsea Allen says

      October 20, 2023 at 4:25 am

      Thank you Bud.

      Reply
  2. Michele says

    October 27, 2023 at 11:44 pm

    Very moving story.

    Reply
    • Chelsea Allen says

      November 17, 2023 at 1:57 am

      Thank you for your kind words, Michele.

      Reply

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