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101 Word Short Stories

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Nursery Renovation

October 21, 2024 6 Comments

By Erin Jamieson

I stripped the paint from her room—lavender shedding on beige carpet.

My hands are raw and calloused. You enter, unshaven, coffee in hand. What the hell are you doing?

But I continue. I no longer recognize your voice, no longer know what it was like to be held by you, before I lost her.

You grab one of the scrapers from me, as if you can undo the damage. Misty sunlight streams in, bathing you in golden light.

She left indelible marks we will never fully understand.

I linger in the shadows, disassembling her crib until you leave me alone.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tim Goldstone says

    October 21, 2024 at 1:16 pm

    A subtle description of the utter depths of sadness. Sustained brilliance.

    Reply
  2. Tom says

    October 21, 2024 at 9:28 pm

    A tragedy beautifully told.

    Reply
  3. Pamela Cartlidge says

    October 23, 2024 at 8:55 am

    Heartbreaking. Grief takes us in many ways.

    Reply
  4. Janet says

    October 23, 2024 at 9:29 am

    Well written. The impacts of trauma are many

    Reply
  5. Bud says

    October 23, 2024 at 4:54 pm

    Heartrending story of loss. Very nicely done!

    Reply
  6. Ed Kratz says

    October 23, 2024 at 9:17 pm

    How deeply sad, and real. Well done.

    Reply

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