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101 Word Short Stories

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Graffiti

October 25, 2023 14 Comments

By John Holmes

I step back and cower behind the dark folds of the dining room curtains, holding my phone at the ready.

Across the road, a group of hooded youths are quickly carrying out their plans. Just one word with the police and I would bring about a sudden end to their wanton vandalism.

I watch them for a few more seconds, reluctantly admiring their teamwork.

Colourful, lively images are transforming the weathered white garage doors, opening them to a whole new dimension.

I’ve seen enough and step away from the window.

Switching off my phone, I know I’ve made the right call.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Geja Hadderingh says

    October 25, 2023 at 7:08 am

    What a wonderful twist in this delightful short story.

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      October 27, 2023 at 2:01 pm

      Thank you – I love a twist

      Reply
  2. Mike McCarty says

    October 25, 2023 at 8:46 am

    You went from ominous to uplifting in 101 words — nicely done!

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      October 27, 2023 at 2:02 pm

      Thanks – and I also wanted an element of ‘was it the right call?’

      Reply
  3. Lore says

    October 25, 2023 at 9:26 am

    Great twist on “crime” and fear. I’ve seem lots of graffiti that actually belonged in a museum. Good job.

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      October 27, 2023 at 2:03 pm

      Yes, I find graffiti confusing – great art work/ wrong location.

      Reply
  4. Cathryn says

    October 25, 2023 at 9:59 am

    Hello John,

    Your upbeat story brightened my morning. Well done.

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      October 27, 2023 at 2:04 pm

      As a short story writer, that is a lovely thing to hear – hope the rest of the week stayed bright for you.

      Reply
  5. Paul Scott Wood says

    October 25, 2023 at 10:29 am

    I have seen lots of beautiful graffiti on walls, train cars, etcetera, but it belongs on a canvas not on someone else’s property.

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      October 27, 2023 at 2:04 pm

      I agree – was it the right call?

      Reply
  6. K F Lerner says

    October 25, 2023 at 11:25 am

    I approve – particularly liked “reluctantly admiring their teamwork.”
    Never let your morals get in the way of doing the right thing.

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      October 27, 2023 at 2:06 pm

      Yes, I guess many people ‘reluctantly admire’.
      Thanks for the comment.

      Reply
  7. Lisa Braithwaite says

    October 25, 2023 at 1:32 pm

    Beautiful. I also love “right call.” Nice play on words.

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      October 27, 2023 at 2:06 pm

      Thanks for your positive comment.

      Reply

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