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101 Word Short Stories

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Remnants

September 8, 2022 15 Comments

By Nan Wigington

I told him to stop eating in bed. Baguettes were the worst. Crumbs stuck beneath my breasts, latched onto my belly. I put up with it—without him, I was nothing.

The night he left, I followed a sourdough trail from the kitchen to the bedroom. Crumbs snaked across the bedspread, out the open window. A line drifted through rail yards, beside empty fields.

He’s gone, but I still wait.

Outside, birds have eaten his trail. Inside, I keep the remnants in a silver box. The box, on the window sill, shines in the moonlight.

I want him to see it.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David says

    September 8, 2022 at 3:24 am

    Strange, but touching and original. I liked it.

    Reply
  2. Derek says

    September 8, 2022 at 7:13 am

    Very well-written and interesting.

    Reply
  3. Nan says

    September 8, 2022 at 7:25 am

    Thanks for reading!

    Reply
  4. giulietta says

    September 8, 2022 at 9:17 am

    Nan, a beautifully written story! Great take on bread crumbs …

    Reply
  5. Joyce Jacobo says

    September 8, 2022 at 3:23 pm

    Awww, this is a sweet and touching read. I also love how mysterious it is as well. ^_^

    Reply
    • Nan says

      September 8, 2022 at 6:40 pm

      Thanks for the comments!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        September 9, 2022 at 11:42 am

        Love it! Does the box contain crumbs? Or other remnants?

        Reply
        • Nan says

          September 10, 2022 at 7:02 am

          The answer’s up to you.

          Reply
  6. Gill M says

    September 9, 2022 at 6:07 am

    So beautiful

    Reply
    • Nan says

      September 10, 2022 at 7:03 am

      Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  7. Corey says

    September 10, 2022 at 1:59 pm

    Nice read. Puts your imagination to use

    Reply
  8. Toni Brayer says

    September 14, 2022 at 11:13 am

    The longing and sadness really comes through. I loved it v

    Reply
  9. Melissa says

    September 14, 2022 at 4:19 pm

    The literal and figurative use of breadcrumbs is great. I also liked the ending line.

    Reply
  10. Doug Jacquier says

    September 14, 2022 at 9:18 pm

    ‘I put up with it—without him, I was nothing.’ Sad beyond expression.

    Reply
  11. S. Tierney says

    September 16, 2022 at 4:38 am

    Surreal and honest at the same time; great work!

    Reply

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