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101 Word Short Stories

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Purging Grief

May 13, 2024 7 Comments

By Charles Gray

Rain pelted the window, diverting Alice’s attention from her sister’s closet. She watched two boys run and seek shelter under a tree. The older boy protecting the younger reminded her of the close relationship she had with her sister. The clothes can wait. She searched for the last birthday gift she had given her.

Standing at the front door, she waved the umbrella. “Hey, boys!”

Older turned and ran toward her.

She tossed it.

He fiddled with the handle. When it popped open, Younger’s face gleamed.

They grasped each other’s hand and trotted off.

Older looked back.

Alice waved. “Keep it!”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michael C. says

    May 13, 2024 at 12:18 pm

    Nice one Charles! Good story.

    Reply
  2. Mary says

    May 13, 2024 at 12:40 pm

    Lovely story

    Reply
  3. Sara Szatmary says

    May 13, 2024 at 2:17 pm

    I love the idea that grief can turn into something beautiful. You captured that possibility so well here.

    Reply
  4. Helen Pena says

    May 13, 2024 at 4:21 pm

    Such a tender reminder on the reflection of grief. Nice job.

    Reply
  5. Sue says

    May 15, 2024 at 11:04 am

    Sweet. Reflective story.

    Reply
  6. Bud says

    May 15, 2024 at 11:08 am

    Poignant story with emotional resonance.

    Reply
  7. Chadd Lin says

    May 15, 2024 at 3:36 pm

    Love the reframing of grief

    Reply

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