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101 Word Short Stories

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Shot in the Dark

December 24, 2021 14 Comments

By Peggy Gerber

A resounding thud jarred Eva out of a deep sleep and set her heart racing. She leapt up and reached into her nightstand drawer for her late husband’s gun. She always hated guns, but now she was alone and terrified.

Slowly, Eva crept downstairs, barefoot, so as not to make any noise. She searched the living room until she saw a shadowy figure. She cocked the gun and fired.

The bullet whizzed past the intruder, shattering the television. “Mom! No! It’s me!” The lamp switched on. “I caught an earlier flight!”

Grateful for her bad aim, Eva savored her son’s embrace.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Helen C says

    December 24, 2021 at 7:45 am

    Lovely story and a beautiful end.

    Reply
  2. M says

    December 24, 2021 at 8:39 am

    Beautifully written

    Reply
  3. Derek says

    December 24, 2021 at 9:49 am

    I enjoyed reading this.

    Reply
  4. David says

    December 24, 2021 at 10:27 am

    Lovey story

    Reply
  5. Jessalyn says

    December 24, 2021 at 10:36 am

    Glad that this surprise didn’t turn into a tragedy!

    Reply
  6. David Berger says

    December 24, 2021 at 1:20 pm

    Trite

    Reply
  7. Liz says

    December 25, 2021 at 5:06 am

    Really, really lovely story for Christmas. Thank you.

    Reply
  8. yehudis says

    December 26, 2021 at 4:47 pm

    I was so scared what the end would be. In so few words, you had me so involved. Then it just made my day.

    Reply
  9. Rita Riebel-Mitchell says

    December 26, 2021 at 5:30 pm

    This was a terrifying story. I’m glad it ended well, but what if it hadn’t? Your MC would never forgive herself.

    Well written. Congrats! You made me care.

    Reply
  10. Marie Johnson-Ladson says

    December 27, 2021 at 9:26 am

    Thank God she had a bad aim. It’s a blessing no one was killed. I guess the message is don’t be so quick on the draw and try to make sure everything is clear before you make your shot. Great story!

    Reply
  11. dlherrmann says

    December 29, 2021 at 11:23 am

    This story has been true and the aim has been true. It is the false security of a gun.

    Reply
  12. Thompson Emate says

    December 29, 2021 at 9:57 pm

    I love this story. An excellent write. I’m glad she missed her aim. What an irreparable loss it would have been.

    Reply
  13. JEMorgan says

    December 31, 2021 at 6:50 pm

    Sometimes one has little choice but ‘to go it alone’ were decision are made before the blink of an eye. Far too often, we answer questions based on fear. Had you been the protagonists would you pull the trigger?

    Hmm, Nice story Peggy,

    Happy New Year, Everyone

    Reply
  14. Susan Ettinger says

    February 18, 2022 at 1:46 pm

    You’re a good writer….Peggy Sue….and I’m proud of your accomplishments. It is wonderful to be read about those that love you…but why not make the leap and try to get really published. You’re good….Now be brave.

    Reply

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