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101 Word Short Stories

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Fearless

February 21, 2025 13 Comments

By Karama Neal

I approached the river—sun sparkling on the water, egrets on the banks, pretty little gray shells at my feet, tugboat pushing cargo upstream—but was nervous about getting too close. I only passed my college swimming requirement by holding my breath throughout the test. Mom would only reluctantly enter ankle-high water. She wouldn’t even let me spritz her with the water hose in our summer garden.

So while this river was ever present in our lives, Mom’s request for a river scattering surprised me.

But as I held her urn, taking cautious steps forward, I remembered her motto—‘Question fear.’

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David Henson says

    February 21, 2025 at 8:25 am

    Excellent micro. Fantastic ending.

    Reply
    • Karama Neal says

      February 21, 2025 at 10:40 am

      Thanks so much, David! ‘Question fear’ is indeed my own motto. So glad you like it.

      Reply
  2. SwayambhuP says

    February 24, 2025 at 12:45 pm

    Touching! Thank you

    Reply
    • Karama Neal says

      May 13, 2025 at 12:13 am

      Thank you! I’m so pleased you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  3. Pat R. says

    February 26, 2025 at 9:53 am

    Nice story, very thought-provoking!

    Reply
    • Karama Neal says

      May 13, 2025 at 12:13 am

      Thank you! I’m glad you liked it.

      Reply
  4. Ed Kratz says

    February 26, 2025 at 9:55 pm

    Perfect flash. Great ending, and a title that does add to the story.

    Reply
    • Karama Neal says

      May 13, 2025 at 12:14 am

      Thank you! I appreciate your kind words about my work.

      Reply
  5. Charlotte E Bennardo says

    February 27, 2025 at 10:02 am

    Oh, this was beautiful.

    Reply
    • Karama Neal says

      July 3, 2025 at 1:26 pm

      Thank you! I’m so pleased that you liked it.

      Reply
  6. Marie says

    February 27, 2025 at 1:03 pm

    Wonderful, I loved the last line.

    Reply
    • Karama Neal says

      May 13, 2025 at 12:14 am

      Thank you! I really appreciate your comments.

      Reply
    • Karama Neal says

      July 3, 2025 at 1:27 pm

      Thank you! I was pleased to draw from family memories for this.

      Reply

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