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101 Words

101 Word Short Stories

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Psychometrics

August 24, 2022 9 Comments

By Dave Rees

“Why?” The chief administrator narrowed his eyes at Karl.

“Not enough time with my family, sir.”

“You live just 10 minutes away.” The administrator leaned back, arms folded, studying Karl.

“I’m more skilled in the field, sir,” he mumbled, a sweat bead rolling down his back.

The administrator stared silently. Then he rose, snatched a document from his desk. “We’ve many replacements eager to join us.” He signed and stamped. “Go—out of my sight. You leave in two days.”

Karl breathed. He hastily remembered to salute, “Heil Hitler.”

The administrator filed the document, entitled: K. Schmidt, SS Guard, Auschwitz. Reassigned.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tim Goldstone says

    August 24, 2022 at 8:06 am

    Chilling.

    Reply
    • David Higham says

      August 24, 2022 at 10:40 am

      A cool, slow build up to a stunning last line.

      Reply
  2. Melissa says

    August 24, 2022 at 11:02 am

    Amazing how much you fit into 101 words! Superb

    Reply
  3. Yolanda Joosten says

    August 24, 2022 at 11:41 am

    What a chilling and powerful story!

    Reply
  4. Caroline says

    August 24, 2022 at 4:30 pm

    Great idea for a story

    Reply
  5. David Rees says

    August 24, 2022 at 5:57 pm

    Thank you for the feedback. It’s given me lots of confidence to keep writing.

    Reply
  6. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    August 26, 2022 at 7:13 am

    Well done – would love to read more from this writer 🙂

    Reply
  7. Corey says

    August 26, 2022 at 11:19 am

    Quite the shocker at the end

    Reply
  8. Mary says

    August 26, 2022 at 11:37 am

    Well done! As others have stated, I did not see that last sentence coming. Thank you for sharing your gift.

    Reply

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