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101 Word Short Stories

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Super Strength

April 29, 2024 9 Comments

By Helen Ksypka

Astounded, Mike watched Ollie move objects that were three times his weight—and then some.

Spurred by envy and determination, Mike hit the gym six times a week.

Ollie never hit the gym.

Mike hired a personal trainer.

Ollie didn’t need a trainer.

Mike spent a year building his body, cranking up his stamina. Yet, Ollie remained untouchable.

Beyond human capacity, Ollie advanced lifting eight, nine, ten times his weight. It became a national event with packed audiences. Witnessing these feats, the media implored Ollie to share his secret.

“There’s no secret,” said Ollie. “I’m an ant. It’s what we do.”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Scott Bogart says

    April 29, 2024 at 4:31 pm

    Nice story, Helen! Thanks for letting us read it.

    Scott

    Reply
  2. Paul Scott Wood says

    May 1, 2024 at 9:41 am

    Nice story. As I read it the thought occurred to me that the reader would encounter that last sentence.

    Reply
  3. Angela says

    May 1, 2024 at 9:46 am

    Great ending! I didn’t see it coming.

    Reply
  4. Sue says

    May 1, 2024 at 9:50 am

    Well done.

    Reply
  5. Bud says

    May 1, 2024 at 9:54 am

    Great story Helen!

    Reply
  6. Lisa H. Owens says

    May 1, 2024 at 10:32 am

    Nice! I had a sneaking suspicion this powerhouse might be an ant!

    Reply
  7. Chadd Lin says

    May 1, 2024 at 10:38 am

    Absolutely loved the twist in perspective

    Reply
  8. Pamela Cartlidge says

    May 2, 2024 at 7:59 am

    Really liked it!

    Reply
  9. julie turland says

    May 6, 2024 at 5:32 am

    Good twist at the end

    Reply

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