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101 Word Short Stories

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Slim Chance

December 24, 2024 19 Comments

By PK Robbins Walzer

At last, I’m skinny. Like I’ve always dreamed of being. Like an elegant catwalk model.

I spent my whole life trying diets and supplements. But I was always considered ‘plus size.’ Even as a child, I struggled to fit into school uniforms.

I never stopped to wonder why labels from strangers mattered. I simply endured decades of deprivation and self-loathing.

Now my lifelong dream has finally come true. I’m able to eat whatever I want and still lose weight. Though, strangely, I don’t have much appetite.

At last, people say I’m skinny. They also say that’s to be expected with chemotherapy.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Crystal says

    December 24, 2024 at 4:16 pm

    Ohhh. This had me to the very end, which was beautiful and heartbreaking at once.

    Reply
    • PK says

      December 25, 2024 at 1:19 pm

      Thank you for these kinds words. They mean a lot to me.

      Reply
  2. Shoshauna says

    December 24, 2024 at 7:03 pm

    Kudos, PK. This kills me every time I read it.

    Reply
    • PK says

      December 25, 2024 at 1:20 pm

      Thank you, Shoshauna, for your encouragement and for giving me such a terrific Christmas gift!

      Reply
  3. Tom says

    December 24, 2024 at 8:34 pm

    What a gut-punch with the last word. Well done.

    Reply
    • PK says

      December 25, 2024 at 1:20 pm

      Thank you.

      Reply
  4. Tracie Adams says

    December 25, 2024 at 6:50 am

    This tiny one is packing heat. The universal theme of “be careful what you wish for” really stings. Beautiful work!

    Reply
    • PK says

      December 25, 2024 at 1:20 pm

      Thank you very much!

      Reply
  5. Janet says

    December 25, 2024 at 8:19 am

    So sad-what people say! Well done

    Reply
    • PK says

      December 25, 2024 at 1:21 pm

      Yes, the judgement of some people can be crippling, but I am grateful for yours! Many thanks.

      Reply
  6. Michael W King says

    December 25, 2024 at 8:39 am

    I’ve had special people in my life go through chemo. Your story touched me.

    Reply
    • PK says

      December 25, 2024 at 1:23 pm

      Watched loved ones endure such hardship is painful. I am humbled and honored that this piece spoke to you.

      Reply
  7. Ed Kratz says

    December 25, 2024 at 11:31 am

    Wonderful. Excellent statement, and moving and real, to me.

    Reply
    • PK says

      December 25, 2024 at 1:23 pm

      Thank you very much.

      Reply
  8. Sue D says

    December 26, 2024 at 2:46 pm

    Wow. Thought provoking.
    The ending is powerful, and for me, was unexpected.
    Thanks for sharing such a well written story.

    Reply
  9. PK says

    December 26, 2024 at 4:55 pm

    Thank you for reading and for your kind words.

    Reply
  10. Ani Tashjian says

    December 27, 2024 at 4:49 pm

    Heartbreaking. And a life lesson beautifully told.

    Reply
    • PK says

      December 27, 2024 at 5:10 pm

      Thank you

      Reply
  11. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    January 18, 2025 at 12:19 pm

    This is an amazing piece of flash fiction, with a very sad twist in the tail. I hope to read more of the same in the future!

    Reply

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