By Bobby Warner
The ballroom was packed. Tom led her out onto the dance floor. The band began to play a Viennese waltz that made her smile as she moved in step with her husband.
When the number was done and the applause died down, he led her back to the table; she let him light a cigarette for her. She stopped smoking years ago but allowed herself one puff each time they danced.
“You’ve still got it, dearest,” Tom said.
Returning his smile, she exhaled deeply.
“I know I could dance so much better if I had my own legs back,” she said.
Love the elegance, the pacing and the punch. Well done!
Thanks for the kind words, dontassone. Knowing someone enjoys my scribblings is what makes writing so enjoyable!
That was a surprise. Really good story. Very well written.
Thanks, Scott. Glad you liked it. I am indebted to the editor for suggestions to refine the story and make it read better.
Definitely not what I was expecting! How did you come up with this story? Is there something that triggered it? something real? I’m always amazed at the variety of 101 twists!!!
I didn’t come up with this story myself, Smila. Often, when I sit down to write, an idea just pops into my mind and I write it out immediately. So usually stories “just come” to me. Probably from the “depths of my subconscious.” I’m always grateful when this happens! And you are right: The writers in 101 Words invariably come up with interesting twists to their stories. That’s why I read all the stories each and every day!
Really loved how well this flowed, I had a beautiful picture in my head.
Great story! There’s something about the wording of the twist that bothers me though. Also “led her” both onto and off of the dance floor seems repetitive unless it’s meant as a tell.
Thanks for noticing that, Glenn. I did that to stress his attentiveness to his wife, but I can see your point. If I had to do it over, I would probably write something like “…they returned to the table…” instead of the second “he led”. Anyway, am glad you liked the story and took the time to comment on it.
Nice story. Well written and I enjoyed the twist at the end.
I like this, Bobby. Nice job. Read “Good Country People” by Flannery O’Connor — that one’s a doozy!