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101 Word Short Stories

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How We Fall Asleep

May 15, 2021 5 Comments

By Kate I. Foley

After “go to beds,” after PJ’s, after prayers, after promises, after cats prowl porches lined with flower boxes, after storybooks, after one more drink of water, after lights out, after moonlight, after nightlights, after whispers and wishes, after closing eyes and counting sheep, after wriggling and restlessness, after creaking closet doors, after wooden fingers trace the foggy window, after tiptoeing to Mom’s room, after tucking in, after smoothing hair, after lips on foreheads, after “there’s nothing there” and “I’ll be right here,” after a car drives by, after teddy bear time, after Mom’s one last lullaby—always after one last lullaby.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Derek says

    May 15, 2021 at 7:14 am

    I enjoyed this. It reminded me of the ups and downs of having small children.

    Reply
  2. Vivian says

    May 15, 2021 at 11:12 am

    Sweet!

    Reply
  3. David says

    May 15, 2021 at 4:31 pm

    I enjoyed the originality of this piece and its rhythm. I can’t remember reading a 101 words story quite like it.

    Reply
  4. Archibald Hobbs says

    May 17, 2021 at 6:52 pm

    I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed that. Thanks Kate.

    Reply
  5. Kathy Carroll says

    May 25, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    Your story really made me smile. I love how you incorporate the inside and outside images. Your alliteration and rhythm are beautiful.

    Reply

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