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101 Word Short Stories

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Kindness With a Catch

October 30, 2023 8 Comments

By Mairead Robinson

I’ve slipped a disc, and Jim from next door offers to pick up groceries, but then he proceeds to tell me that when he put his back out, his ex-wife, Carol, had no empathy, which is why she left him, but it’s no good being on your own, and he could help me out in other ways––like with the garden, or maybe when I’m better, some country walks or pub lunches because it’s really all about companionship, isn’t it? Though he does miss intimacy, and I’m quite an attractive woman for my age.

On balance, I prefer my chronic pain.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cathryn says

    October 30, 2023 at 10:17 am

    Hello Mairead,
    Great cautionary tale ; beware of Greeks bearing gifts.

    Reply
  2. John O’K says

    November 1, 2023 at 7:55 am

    Well done, M.

    Reply
  3. Jane Hirschhorn says

    November 1, 2023 at 7:58 am

    Love the pacing of the story and its humor.

    Reply
  4. Toni Brayer says

    November 1, 2023 at 11:01 am

    I love this and the free association style you used.

    Reply
  5. Dee Lorraine says

    November 1, 2023 at 1:34 pm

    Thank you for a good laugh!

    Reply
  6. Pamela Cartlidge says

    November 2, 2023 at 2:38 pm

    This made me laugh! Cheers.

    Reply
  7. K F Lerner says

    November 2, 2023 at 4:23 pm

    Oh yes. The “nice” guy. Expertly described and perfectly paced. Great job.

    Reply
  8. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    November 2, 2023 at 4:49 pm

    Yey! Nice one 🙂

    Reply

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