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101 Word Short Stories

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Plumber’s Helper

July 5, 2023 10 Comments

By Jeannette Connors

I carefully stored my tequila bottles in the toilet tank again, far from the prying eyes of friends and family who insinuated—with increasing annoyance—that I had a problem to address.

It was nobody’s business, I thought.

Then the plumber came. “Sorry…I didn’t hear…What did you say?” I slurred as he handed me the bill. After my pet parrot, Snowball, began crying out “boozehound” over and over, I decided I needed to remedy the problem.

Proud of my newfound resolve, I reached into the toilet tank for a celebratory swig. Yes, tomorrow I would find a new plumber.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kevin says

    July 5, 2023 at 7:18 am

    More than a hint of reality from this well written story. Kudos.

    Reply
  2. Paul Scott Wood says

    July 5, 2023 at 10:01 am

    I don’t think there is enough space in my toilet tank to stash a tequila bottle? Good story.

    Reply
  3. Derek says

    July 5, 2023 at 10:10 am

    I liked this story. I know how hard it can be to try to quit one thing that is probably killing me!

    Reply
  4. Jane Hirschhorn says

    July 5, 2023 at 5:06 pm

    Loved it! Humor and sadness combined.

    Reply
  5. Sandra L. Todd says

    July 5, 2023 at 7:06 pm

    They can’t have or win them all! Love it!

    Reply
  6. Gary Earl Ross says

    July 6, 2023 at 8:55 am

    Very deftly done.

    Reply
  7. JS O’Keefe says

    July 8, 2023 at 4:29 pm

    Well done; funny with a good tweak.

    Reply
  8. Lisa Braithwaite says

    July 9, 2023 at 2:01 pm

    Ahhh, the denial. Well done!

    Reply
  9. Norbert Kovacs says

    July 11, 2023 at 9:41 pm

    Sad story. Anyone fighting addiction should have family and friends to support them.

    Reply
  10. Beth says

    July 18, 2023 at 3:18 pm

    That Snowball! I love this piece. It packs a punch, especially for those of us in recovery.

    Reply

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