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101 Word Short Stories

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Night Music

July 28, 2024 8 Comments

By C. A. Fulwell

Imogen’s dreams were gone, reduced to ash since the night of the fire. Her world was so small now: concert solos, music scholarships, and intoxicating applause had been replaced with pain management, skin grafts, and the same four walls.

At night, when the medication hit the sweet spot and gifted her a few hours, she played again. Playing underwater meant no fire, no ruined hands. Her violin and her future were safe.

She played slowly, so much slower than before. It didn’t matter. The music was medicinal, beautiful.

Every night weightless, painless, Imogen practised for a performance she would never give.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Caro Robson says

    July 28, 2024 at 7:44 am

    A haunting story, beautifully written

    Reply
  2. Caroline van Gelder says

    July 28, 2024 at 7:49 am

    Poignant and devastating

    Reply
  3. Kevin says

    July 28, 2024 at 8:59 am

    Simply a superb piece of emotive writing. Kudos.

    Reply
  4. Laura Cody says

    July 28, 2024 at 11:29 am

    Such a sad and hauntingly beautiful story about being rescued or “saved” only to find that her life is still lost. I am hoping with time, Imogen will discover new passions and find her way back to happiness. Thanks for the lovely read.

    Reply
  5. Sam Grayston says

    July 29, 2024 at 11:49 am

    Fantastically evocative story. Congrats!

    Reply
  6. julie turland says

    July 31, 2024 at 6:41 am

    Very good writing full of emotion.

    Reply
  7. Toni Brayer says

    July 31, 2024 at 6:50 am

    I can visualize her. Well done.

    Reply
  8. Dan Graves says

    July 31, 2024 at 7:20 am

    physical and emotional pain

    Reply

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