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101 Word Short Stories

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Meanwhile

April 30, 2026 5 Comments

By J.S. O’Keefe

They tell you to embrace the chaos, call it progress. Learn to let go. Enjoy the journey. No one can control everything.

Well. I watch my plans collapse before they start; nothing connects. I’m observing my life from the outside. Meanwhile the older kid needs his Rx meds. Grandma got kicked out of assisted living when they raised the fees. I’m two months behind on rent.

Enjoy the journey?

The journey, apparently, doesn’t pay bills. Acceptance doesn’t fill pill bottles. And all the wisdom in the world won’t stop the landlord from changing the locks while I’m learning to let go.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cheryl Dahlstrand says

    May 6, 2026 at 9:48 am

    Existential, especially “I watch my plans collapse before they start.”
    Well crafted.

    Reply
  2. Ranabrata Ray says

    May 6, 2026 at 11:17 pm

    I favour such stories reflecting on the family and socio-economic conditions .

    Reply
  3. ELSAA-LISSA says

    May 9, 2026 at 5:33 pm

    Hello,

    Hope you’re doing well. I recently came across your story and really enjoyed reading it. The writing, pacing, and concept are fantastic, and I kept thinking how well it would translate into a comic or webtoon.

    I’m an artist experienced in creating comics, manga, webtoons, character designs, and book covers. I’d love to collaborate with you and be commissioned to adapt your story into a visual format that could attract even more readers.

    No pressure at all just sharing an idea. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out on Discord (elsaa_uwu) or Instagram (elsaa.uwu).

    Kind regards,
    ELSAA.

    Reply
  4. David Ray Duncan says

    May 24, 2026 at 9:51 pm

    My favorite of all the 101 stories I’ve read here. Excellent and spot on.

    Reply
  5. Toni Brayer says

    June 11, 2026 at 10:06 am

    This resonated. Platitudes don’t pay the bills. Well written!

    Reply

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