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101 Word Short Stories

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Over Dinner

March 23, 2024 5 Comments

By Janet Wilkinson

“Someone cut me off on the parkway coming home,” Daisy says.

“Been there, done that,” Jack replies, chewing, not looking up.

“You’ve been everywhere, done everything,” she snaps.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Eyes wide.

“The way you say it. Dismissive.”

“I’m validating your experience.”

“You’re killing the conversation.” She means to sound poised but comes off petulant.

“If you’ve got more to say, say it. No one’s stopping you.”

“This is why we never talk,” she scowls.

Silence then, but for the vigorous scraping of cutlery on plates, until—

“Ow.” Daisy winces. “My tongue.”

“Been there, done that,” Jack commiserates.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Helen Ksypka says

    March 23, 2024 at 2:20 pm

    Felt like I was eavesdropping on this fun piece. I really enjoyed it!

    Reply
  2. Dan Graves says

    March 25, 2024 at 6:53 pm

    Had to chuckle at the last line. One-track mind.

    Reply
  3. Stacey Lounsberry says

    March 27, 2024 at 8:05 am

    When Jack says his last line, I felt like it was very in character (and I had only known his character from the relatively few words before). It’s perfect.

    Reply
  4. Deanna Salser says

    March 27, 2024 at 10:27 am

    Made me snicker.

    Reply
  5. Pat R. says

    March 27, 2024 at 3:10 pm

    Could be a typical night at many dinner tables. Sad, but true, with humor. Great piece!

    Reply

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