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101 Word Short Stories

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Marco’s Penance

October 1, 2020 7 Comments

By Sam Nikiski

The last Mega-Ball dropped, and the announcer read its number. The world slowed to a crawl as the man said, “Number 11.” Marco took a deep drag from his cigarette. “Oh, no!” If he had won less than one million, Marco could keep it under wraps. He had been trying to keep a low profile since he’d left his former life as an indie hitman. $200 million was too high profile but too little to pay off the friends of the people he had killed. “They could blackmail me forever and then kill me.” Marco swore and tore up the ticket.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ifinedo Anastasia says

    October 1, 2020 at 7:15 am

    Wow. This is a great difference from the kind of stories I’m used to. Nice idea, Sam.

    Reply
  2. Susan Reid says

    October 1, 2020 at 7:24 am

    I liked the theme too. It was really different.

    Reply
  3. Deni says

    October 1, 2020 at 8:10 am

    Great storytelling Sam. A really different angle on justice and penance.

    Reply
  4. Cathleen O'Connor says

    October 1, 2020 at 9:40 am

    Interesting, surprising and fun to read. Thanks!

    Reply
  5. rena says

    October 2, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    fabulous!

    Reply
  6. rena says

    October 2, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    well done!

    Reply
  7. Dan Connelly says

    October 3, 2020 at 10:13 am

    lucky-not-lucky

    Reply

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