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101 Words

101 Word Short Stories

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Produce Aisle Star

June 18, 2023 10 Comments

By Mollie B. Rodgers

Words handled frequently grow threadbare. ‘Literally’ is never literal and ‘awesome’ provides mediocre praise, but when I saw her sweep through those automatic doors, ‘stunning’ regained its full authority. She posed before a shelf, hip cocked, and one commercial-ready avocado rolled off the pyramid and into her outstretched hand. Minutes after her mall-mannequin proportions had breezed past, I still stood there, clutching my iceberg lettuce and blinking.

I imagine the world must appear a lonely place to her, populated by slow-moving people of few words. Or maybe I only wish it, for some semblance of fairness in the universe.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Scott Bogart says

    June 18, 2023 at 8:51 am

    Nice piece, Mollie!

    Reply
  2. Doug Jacquier says

    June 18, 2023 at 9:05 am

    Observation at its best and superbly crafted. Well done.

    Reply
  3. Amanda Le Rougetel says

    June 18, 2023 at 10:21 am

    Terrific story told in 101 words. The title intrigued me, the first sentence pulled me in and I kept reading. Loved this story!

    Reply
  4. Derek says

    June 18, 2023 at 11:08 am

    I enjoyed this. The title was intriguing.

    Reply
  5. Cathryn says

    June 18, 2023 at 11:36 am

    Hello Mollie,

    Loved the descriptive “mall-mannequin proportions” – – and all the nuances suggested by that word. I am going to share this with a young teen struggling with identity issues and devaluing their appearance. (Great conversation starter!)

    Reply
    • Terra Wertz says

      June 21, 2023 at 11:47 am

      Totally agree, Cathryn!

      Reply
  6. Kenny Rodgers says

    June 21, 2023 at 3:37 pm

    Terrific, as always, Mollie. Share your gift with the world. Love, Daddy.

    Reply
  7. Ruth Mannino says

    June 21, 2023 at 8:14 pm

    Perfect!

    Reply
  8. Pamela Cartlidge says

    June 22, 2023 at 3:25 am

    Loved it! Have had similar observations.

    Reply
  9. Marie says

    June 22, 2023 at 3:30 pm

    Really liked it!

    Reply

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