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101 Word Short Stories

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Petit Garçon

April 27, 2022 4 Comments

By Hooman Khoshnood

As you enter through the back entrance of the tiny Normandy hospital, just past the vending machines, you face a choice: Turn left to Maternitè or right to Oncologie, and—beyond Oncologie—Radiologie.

I thankfully choose left.

But for a missing testicle, my son is healthy!

We follow the nurse for an exploratory echograph. No biggie, the ball is loosely stuck and will eventually descend.

Gratefully, we return past the slouching oncology patients—diagonally punctured with needles attached to clear-colored tubes attached to beeping medical devices on wheels—I realize how much I’d enjoy a cold Orangina from the vending machine.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Teodora Vamvu says

    April 27, 2022 at 9:35 am

    Daunting and beautiful!

    Reply
  2. Peggy Gerber says

    April 27, 2022 at 10:00 am

    A lovely story about life. One person’s best day can be another’s worst. Well done.

    Reply
  3. George Kroker says

    April 27, 2022 at 12:30 pm

    The contrast between the troubles of new life and the troubles of old life is nicely done!

    Reply
  4. Yvonne clarke says

    April 29, 2022 at 10:49 am

    What a relief!

    Reply

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