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101 Word Short Stories

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I Release You

February 27, 2026 8 Comments

By Brigitta Scheib

The white lantern rests in my hands, its rice paper smooth and warm. An illuminated center highlights the message scrawled across the surface in spidery letters.

These heartfelt words are for you, commemorating the day you left me last year, whether accidentally or on purpose.  I still hear your laughter tinkling through the air. It hitches my breath and seizes my weary heart.

So, I stand in a crowd, wispy clouds extending in dark, silvery blue streaks, holding this luminescent shell. It quivers in the gentle breeze, then lifts. I watch it rise, extending towards the heavens as I let go.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dan says

    February 27, 2026 at 8:10 pm

    Lovely

    Reply
    • Brigitta Scheib says

      March 3, 2026 at 2:11 pm

      Thank you

      Reply
  2. Lynn M. Rice says

    February 28, 2026 at 5:50 pm

    This is beautifully-written, Brigitta! Congrats!

    Reply
    • Brigitta Scheib says

      March 3, 2026 at 2:11 pm

      Thank you so much, Lynn! I always respect your feedback and am so happy you liked it

      Reply
  3. Patti R. says

    March 4, 2026 at 11:00 am

    So beautiful! Bittersweet and thought-provoking.

    Reply
  4. Ramona Taylor says

    March 4, 2026 at 2:02 pm

    Beautiful! Beautiful imagery brings the scene to life. The emotion, the grief strikes a chord and then the letting go metaphor… perfect!

    Reply
  5. Susan says

    March 8, 2026 at 11:01 am

    Loved it.

    Reply
  6. Brigitta Scheib says

    March 20, 2026 at 12:33 pm

    Thank you all so much for your kind comments. I really appreciate your feedback.

    Reply

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