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101 Word Short Stories

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Reality Check

June 19, 2025 8 Comments

By Jo Gatenby

Moonlight shimmers on the spreading black pool.

Diane’s battered mind struggles. If the color’s wrong, maybe he isn’t dead.

“Get up, Jack,” she whispers. But he lies there, his stillness mocking her. Trembling fingers drop the gun. She melts to the ground, forming her own fractured puddle.

Someone must have heard the shot and called the police. Gentle hands lift Diane to her feet, but she still winces. Several broken bones this time.

The light switches on and black turns to neon red blood, splashed across the walls—most of it hers.

But if the color’s right, maybe I’m finally free.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathy Carroll says

    June 19, 2025 at 9:41 am

    Such a powerful story with entrancing writing.

    Reply
    • Jo Gatenby says

      June 19, 2025 at 8:26 pm

      Appreciate that, thanx!

      Reply
  2. Sarah Flick says

    June 22, 2025 at 3:27 pm

    Well done Jo. As usual

    Reply
    • Jo Gatenby says

      June 24, 2025 at 8:39 pm

      Ah, thanx!

      Reply
  3. Harris Hawk says

    June 25, 2025 at 6:43 am

    Loved the several twists and final reveal of this – skilful writing!

    Reply
    • Jo Gatenby says

      June 25, 2025 at 2:00 pm

      How kind of you, thanks for reading…

      Reply
  4. Sharon Murphy says

    June 25, 2025 at 7:26 am

    Nice twist at the end!

    Reply
    • Jo Gatenby says

      June 25, 2025 at 2:00 pm

      Thanx for reading… I do like a good twist!

      Reply

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