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101 Word Short Stories

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Grandma Taught Me How to Disco

August 2, 2025 6 Comments

By Erin Brandt Filliter

Prisms spun from every rafter in Grandma’s townhouse attic. Sunlight streamed through the dormer windows; the crystal-cut glass threw spotlights around the room.

Cardboard shimmered. Cobwebs glimmered. Dust clouds twirled into sequins.

“Let’s boogie!” She’d wink, spinning ABBA on her Victrola turntable.

We’d dance, socks snagging on unfinished floorboards, until collapsing in a heap of giggles and vintage Polyester.

One afternoon, she tucked a twinkling jewel into my palm. “Don’t let anything dull your groove.”

The day she died, storm clouds blocked the sun. Through blurry tears, I blasted Mamma-Mia, Twisting and Electric Slide-ing, until a rainbow sashayed across the sky.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erin Brandt Filliter says

    August 2, 2025 at 8:43 am

    What an honour to be included here! Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Aly says

    August 2, 2025 at 9:02 am

    Absolutely love the use of colors in this!

    Reply
  3. David says

    August 2, 2025 at 3:21 pm

    Beautiful.

    Reply
  4. Mary Anne Gorman says

    August 3, 2025 at 5:54 am

    Fantastic story, I could see them dancing and feel the pain of the loss. Excellent illustration of showing not telling.

    Reply
  5. Terrye Turpin says

    August 6, 2025 at 6:43 pm

    Lovely story. I was a young woman in the disco era so this brought a smile.

    Reply
  6. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    August 20, 2025 at 4:31 am

    Beautiful, like a rare gem.

    Reply

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