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101 Word Short Stories

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Silent Valley

January 6, 2025 8 Comments

By Christy Hartman

Your angry boots close in like thunder. This hike was for my birthday. The obligation enraged you.

The slap shouldn’t have surprised me. You gave the same gift last year.

I sidestep and avoid your lunge, a present to myself.

Crimson stains the rocks below. I thought you would’ve screamed, a final cry to tell the birds and trees I’m a shitty partner. But the valley stayed silent until the sickening splat.

I memorize the nauseating bend of your body, the perfume of wild freesia, the ooze of brain matter.

My flare’s a signal for help, shining like freedom and fireworks.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Faith says

    January 8, 2025 at 7:40 am

    Wow! Loved it from beginning to unexpected end!

    Reply
  2. PK says

    January 8, 2025 at 9:17 am

    Wow. Powerful.

    Reply
  3. Charlotte E Bennardo says

    January 8, 2025 at 11:41 am

    whoa!!!

    Reply
  4. Pamela Cartlidge says

    January 8, 2025 at 1:27 pm

    Strong stuff. I loved it!

    Reply
  5. David Higham says

    January 8, 2025 at 1:28 pm

    Powerful and intense. Loved it.

    Reply
  6. Melanie Mulrooney says

    January 9, 2025 at 10:25 am

    Fabulous work, Christy!!

    Reply
  7. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    January 20, 2025 at 2:22 am

    A difficult subject, captured stunningly in writing. Well done.

    Reply
  8. Lisa H. Owens says

    February 5, 2025 at 7:20 am

    Wow! Brilliantly written tale of domestic abuse and sweet revenge.

    Reply

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