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101 Word Short Stories

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Just the Moon

October 4, 2024 6 Comments

By Barbara Plotkin

I nestle with my grandmother in the worn brocade chair that smells of brisket perfume. Aromatic memories I nostalgically savor swirl with stories.

“Your Grandpa just knew and drew a heart on my shoulder with his finger. I was already engaged to someone else!”

Three years and one child later, they traveled from the Bronx to the Valley of the Moon because she loved the Jack London book—and he loved her, and so they went.

My unmarked shoulder still waits. I dream of someone taking me to the Valley of the Moon. Or a valley. Or maybe, just the moon.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rosemary Johnson says

    October 4, 2024 at 9:18 am

    Concise story which says everything it needs to in a few words. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Barbara Plotkin says

      October 4, 2024 at 1:39 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  2. Elizabeth Hoch says

    October 4, 2024 at 10:08 am

    I love this story!

    Reply
  3. Barbara Plotkin says

    October 4, 2024 at 1:40 pm

    Thank you, Elizabeth!

    Reply
  4. Jo Gatenby says

    October 9, 2024 at 10:53 am

    Loved ‘brisket perfume’!

    Reply
  5. Pat R. says

    October 11, 2024 at 9:04 am

    Your words are beautiful! Love this story!

    Reply

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