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101 Word Short Stories

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Sandcastles

December 18, 2022 8 Comments

By Charles Gray

Richard hands me the scissors and announces, “Attention, everyone! To do the honors, I want to introduce my father—the biggest inspiration in my life.”

The building’s roundness, angled walls, and flat roof remind me of the sandcastles we built together. Whenever a rogue wave washed ashore and demolished it, he’d get so frustrated. But I always encouraged him to rebuild. He did.

I cut the ribbon. The crowd applauds.

“Those were kind words, Richie.”

He extends his hand.

I don’t shake his hand like usual. Instead, I hug him and whisper something I’ve never said before. “I love you, Son.”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. H says

    December 19, 2022 at 1:47 am

    Wonderful story that takes me back in time, growing up in the 1960’s. The story reminds me of that sliver treasure of a Life we all shared in that time frame. A story that tugs the heart strings and takes us back to that particular moment.
    Great job Charles, thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      December 19, 2022 at 1:07 pm

      Thanks H! Glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  2. Mike C. says

    December 19, 2022 at 1:04 pm

    Nice Story Charles! It’s never too late to say I love you.

    Reply
  3. Charles Gray says

    December 19, 2022 at 1:08 pm

    Thanks Mike! That’s right it’s never too late.

    Reply
  4. Andre says

    December 21, 2022 at 8:55 am

    Moving. The scene at the beach is articulated artfully. The mind’s eye snaps right to it without effort.

    Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      December 21, 2022 at 10:52 am

      Thanks Andre!

      Reply
  5. Jennifer J. says

    December 22, 2022 at 4:25 pm

    A heartfelt story. Very nice.

    Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      January 12, 2023 at 2:42 pm

      Thank you Jennifer.

      Reply

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