By Lauren Bowers
He felt awful as he drove away. He could see her in the rear view mirror. Stooped over, hands on her knees, trying to catch a breath. Finally, she’d given up sprinting after him. The beaten old truck had barely managed to outrun her. At 36 years old, the Jeep was the same age as he was.
He closed his eyes, thinking of her warm smile, hearing her infectious laugh, longing for her endless (albeit stifling) comfort. He would miss her so much. Nevertheless, he knew he had made the right decision. It was time to move out of his mother’s house.
Hahahaha. Great way to start my day. Well done, that was a fun read. Thank you
Thanks Lauren. A perfect droll last sentence – it lit up my afternoon. But should he be closing his eyes when he’s driving? Mick
Ha! You got me with the ending. Great job.
Brill!! Great punchline!
AHHHHHHHHH! Last line landed like a “sucker-punch”, but one that was as pleasing as it was shocking.
THIRTY-SIX years old! Will he and the breaking apart jeep come slinking back? If so let us know, with another great surprise ending. It’s hard to imagine 101 WORD FICTION being done any batter.
Mama was running after the Jeep to make damn sure he left………….
Great story–Sad but there are Mothers and Sons just like that–You caught me off guard with this one. I too want to know what happens when he returns.
I’ll add my “nicely done” to the others. Well constructed, Lauren.
Well-written, with the penultimate word providing a knockout punch. The first three words–“He felt awful”–hooked me into wondering why? And my first time through I glossed over the “(albeit stifling)” descriptor. But after a 2nd reading, those two words took on deeper significance–although many people may have stayed with smothering partners other than their dear ol’ mom.
Yeah, that twist ending was MASTERFUL!
i have kept this tab with this story on for a month now, i read it every time am bored, that’s how good this piece is, when you know it word for word and still smile when your finished reading it. great job, i would pay you for this…(if i had money)