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101 Word Short Stories

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Scratch Card Luck

February 9, 2024 12 Comments

By Anne Jones

Homeless Mel saved spare cents to buy a scratch card. She dragged her bags and heavy limbs to the corner store.

Mr Patel counted the coins, added the extra four cents needed, and handed her a card with a smile. “Good luck today, Mel.”

Eagerly, she used her gnarled thumbnail to uncover the possibilities of fortune.

Nothing. She sighed and staggered from the shop.

She tore up the card into confetti and threw it high in the air. Twittering sparrows descended in a flurry of feathers and snatched up the paper, so perfect for building their nests.

She sighed—lucky birds.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rudolph Ferrro says

    February 9, 2024 at 2:25 pm

    Wonderful, sweet little story. Made my heart jump for joy. Luck is indeed everywhere and in everything. It all depends on how and where we look.

    Reply
  2. RC says

    February 14, 2024 at 8:48 am

    This is beautiful and sad. Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Lee-Ann van Lille says

    February 14, 2024 at 9:34 am

    Every cloud has a silver lining…. seeing it is the blessing …. always… Love it Annie

    Reply
  4. Julie says

    February 14, 2024 at 9:44 am

    How negatives can be turned in to positives. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with me Anne. xxx

    Reply
  5. Pat R. says

    February 14, 2024 at 10:43 am

    Very enjoyable!

    Reply
  6. Janet Wilkinson says

    February 14, 2024 at 12:38 pm

    Your description of the bags–“dragged” is balanced beautifully by the description of Mel’s limbs as “heavy”. Economical and effective.
    A wonderful, joyful story.

    Reply
  7. Anne Jones says

    February 14, 2024 at 12:44 pm

    Thank you so much for your uplifting comments xx

    Reply
  8. Marie says

    February 14, 2024 at 4:31 pm

    Touching story, well done.

    Reply
  9. Bud says

    February 14, 2024 at 6:15 pm

    Sad, poignant, and uplifting all in 101 words… very nicely done!

    Reply
  10. Deb Merkenhof says

    February 15, 2024 at 11:22 am

    Gorgeous. What a lovely little story.

    Reply
  11. Birgit says

    February 23, 2024 at 1:23 am

    As always beautiful writing, the words used so descriptive, I can see Mel entering the corner shop.

    Reply
  12. Tatiana says

    February 29, 2024 at 6:28 am

    Ones misfortune is another’s good fortune. From a 2 legged one to a winged one. Thanks for sharing this story.

    Reply

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