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101 Words

101 Word Short Stories

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It’s the Thought That Counts

December 18, 2023 3 Comments

By Susan Eileen Jizba

Joshua crosses a busy intersection wet with rain, following an intriguing woman with a small, unleashed dog.

They both reach the other side as the crosswalk light runs out.

But her dog balks, terrified of the high curb and the swift rushing water. He leaps into the street to save her tiny creature, but it springs away before he reaches it. Into her open arms.

He lands in the muddy gutter.

Splattering everyone.

“Sorry, I slipped,” he mutters, covering up his unsuccessful rescue. They both know his words are bogus.

“It’s the thought that counts,” she says with a warm smile.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cathryn says

    December 18, 2023 at 12:30 pm

    Hello Susan,
    Well done! Ending leads me to believe she helps Joshua up and invites him to Starbuck’s,

    Reply
    • Susan Eileen Jizba says

      December 20, 2023 at 12:57 pm

      Thank you Cathryn! Yes she does!

      Reply
  2. M W King says

    December 22, 2023 at 9:00 am

    I can see that story going beyond 101 words.

    Reply

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