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101 Word Short Stories

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Lorelei’s Price

February 12, 2023 5 Comments

By Denys Novikov

The roar of aircraft engines in the London anthracite sky made me want to crawl underground. To my husband, the Blitz was in full swing.

Hope was dying in the cradle. My road was one-way.

“Follow me,” the guide whispered, scanning for eavesdroppers.

I walked blindfolded, on the winding path to the black market.

“What’s inside your box, poppet?” the pharmacist asked.

“My wedding dress—silk. I need two bottles of penicillin,” I replied.

“The dress is only worth one,” he stated.

“Please, sir.”

“Four bottles—your affection and the dress,” he grinned.

“Agreed.”

The price of maternity had been high.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Derek says

    February 13, 2023 at 3:42 am

    This is a bit of forgotten history.

    Reply
    • Chiehyun says

      February 16, 2023 at 7:51 am

      I didn’t figure that out. Your feedback lit the light bulb for me!

      Reply
  2. Deanna Salser says

    February 13, 2023 at 11:35 am

    Ouch. Her affection? I would think that worth more than 4 bottles.

    Reply
  3. Terra W says

    February 21, 2023 at 3:22 pm

    woah. Powerful.

    Reply
  4. Sandra says

    March 12, 2023 at 7:39 pm

    Sad. So it happens.

    Reply

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