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101 Word Short Stories

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How To Retire

January 12, 2024 12 Comments

By Anna Mintz Brooks

You sit at the banquet, clutching your lifetime achievement plaque as blisters form inside your Louboutins. Forced retirement from on-air broadcasting disguised as commendation. Well-wishers drift past. You thank them while eyeing the exit. Before you can make your move, your boss approaches with admirers in tow.

“I taught her everything!” he crows, hand squeezing your bare shoulder.

Your stomach roils. That hand on your ass, sour breath on your neck, the late-night wrestling matches.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” someone says.

“Even a dinghy!” he says, and laughter erupts.

Jaw clenched, you laugh, your survival instinct refusing to retire.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Indi says

    January 17, 2024 at 7:32 am

    Excellent work!

    Reply
    • Anna Mintz Brooks says

      August 22, 2025 at 12:35 pm

      Thank you, Indi!

      Reply
  2. Bud says

    January 17, 2024 at 11:43 am

    Nicely written. A sad commentary on how many women are mistreated in the workplace.

    Reply
    • Anna Mintz Brooks says

      August 22, 2025 at 12:36 pm

      Thank you, Bud. It is sadly all too real.

      Reply
  3. Liz Gauffreau says

    January 17, 2024 at 11:58 am

    A very relatable story. Nicely done!

    Reply
    • Anna Mintz Brooks says

      August 22, 2025 at 12:36 pm

      Thank you, Liz. I appreciate it.

      Reply
  4. Rabab says

    January 18, 2024 at 10:32 am

    Well written!

    Reply
    • Anna Mintz Brooks says

      August 22, 2025 at 12:37 pm

      Thank you, Rebab!

      Reply
  5. Paulene says

    January 22, 2024 at 8:41 am

    Ouch!

    Reply
    • Anna Mintz Brooks says

      August 22, 2025 at 12:39 pm

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  6. Pamela Cartlidge says

    January 24, 2024 at 7:18 am

    Well told. Dignity intact to the end.

    Reply
    • Anna Mintz Brooks says

      August 22, 2025 at 12:39 pm

      Thank you, Pamela. I appreciate it!

      Reply

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